Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR |
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Evidence is increasing that Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes serious respiratory tract infections in all age groups and may account for 20% or more of community-acquired pneumonias. Morbidity & mortality are greater than previously thought and severe disease is under-diagnosed.
Mycoplasma can be cultured from respiratory tract specimens, however, 14 days' incubation may be required for growth. Mycoplasma culture must be specifically requested, since the organism does not grow on routine culture media. Cold agglutinin has been used as a screening test for Mycoplasma infection, but is neither sensitive nor specific. M. pneumoniae serology is both sensitive and specific. The presence of IgM antibody is indicative of recent infection. The presence of IgG antibody only may indicate recent or past infection and a paired serum sample drawn after 4 weeks may be required to clarify the diagnosis.
Recently a PCR assay for Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been developed that may improve the timeliness of diagnosis. The test can be performed on a throat swab, saliva, sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Serology testing is suggested in addition to PCR.
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