What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
It is a bacterium which is responsible for causing upper respiratory (lung) infections often referred to as atypical pneumonia. Its symptoms are mostly mild, self-limiting & nonspecific like runny nose, bronchitis (inflammation of bronchioles), & nonproductive cough (dry cough) for several weeks. M.pneumoniae is responsible for about 15% to 20% cases of community acquired pneumonia. Its infections are more prevalent in early fall & late summer.
What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG lab test?
This laboratory test is used to measure IgG antibodies in blood produced in response to mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. IgG antibodies which are produced after several weeks of infection & stay in the body for lifetime providing immunity, helps to determine recently had mycoplasma infections.
Why is Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG lab test done?
It is done:
- To diagnose Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
- The infection includes several other syndromes like tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis, bullous myringitis, & pneumonia. So, it helps diagnose these conditions.
- What is meant by mycoplasma IgG positive?
It indicates that the person has had prior exposure to Mycoplasma. A single IgG test may come positive even in the absence of clinical symptoms as IgG antibodies remain high long after initial infection
- What is the method for confirming Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Its antibody test will require a blood sample while direct detection of Mycoplasma pathogen can be done by a variety of samples.
- For how long Mycoplasma IgM stays positive?
IgM antibodies appear in serum after 7 days of onset of symptoms & peak at b/w 10 to 30 days.
- Which is the best antibiotic in case of Mycoplasma?
A macrolide antibiotic called Azithromycin is very effective against M.pneumoniae infections.
- Does Mycoplasma count as bacteria or virus?
It is a bacteria which infects various body parts like lungs, skin, or urinary tract.
Mostly, IgG & IgM antibody test is taken together & their results are compared.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
IgG antibody ranges include:
- < or = 0.90: Negative, i.e. no previous exposure to mycoplasma pneumoniae has occurred, which means a person is not immune to the pathogen. However, a single negative result doesn't rule out the infection, and a second sample should be taken after 14 days.
- 91 to 1.09: Equivocal, i.e. no clear result. Repeat test again.
- > or = 1.10: Positive, i.e. Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies are present & there has been a previous exposure to the infection. This means a person has immunity against the infection.
You get tested to detect a recently had Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.