Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium and is the most important causative agents of the so-called " atypical pneumonia ." Also tracheobronchitis, laryngitis, meningitis, otitis media and other diseases can be caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In addition, it is placed in infection of people with disorders of the hematopoietic ( blood-forming ) system, the central nervous system, liver, and pancreas, as well as cardiovascular syndromes in combination.
Properties
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the cell wall -less bacteria, and compared to other bacteria, is very small ( about 10 % of the volume of Escherichia coli). Unlike other bacteria, it can not produce cholesterol itself, but it must absorb from the environment. The seed has a special organelle, with which he can attach to the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract. Other virulence factors are superantigens and the production of hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2).
Diseases
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not found in healthy people, but it is highly contagious. It is an important causative agent of atypical pneumonia. Particularly at risk are children. In community facilities such as schools or military bases epidemics have been reported. Next by Mycoplasma pneumoniae caused diseases are pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, hemolytic anemia, which, however, usually remains subclinical, a makulopapilläres erythema, muscle pain and various, sometimes serious neurological disorders. Furthermore, a relationship between infection with M. pneumoniae and the development of asthma is suspected.
Proof
Frequently Mycoplasma pneumoniae are detected by the DNA is duplicated with a polymerase chain reaction and visualized. Rapid tests based on the principle of the enzyme immunoassay, are commercially available. Because it takes to cultivate mycoplasmas six weeks, this method plays a minor role for the detection of pathogens in clinical issues. Furthermore, it is possible to detect antibodies via a complement-fixation test.
Therapy
As mycoplasmas have no cell wall, antibiotics that target (for example, β -lactam antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins), there may not be. Instead, tetracyclines or macrolides are used. A special prophylaxis is not known.
History
In their studies of atypical pneumonia researchers was not initially clear that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the bacteria. Mycoplasmas were too small to make them visible with the former microscopes. Also, they could not be held back by bacteria filter. Therefore, the pathogen simply Eaton's agent was called ..