Explained: What is mycoplasma pneumoniae

Queensland has seen a spike in summer cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae, a special kind of bacteria that usually presents as a chest infection and can affect people of all ages.

Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture: John Gass

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a special kind of bacteria that usually presents as a chest infection and can affect people of all ages.

Elderly people, smokers and those already ill with Mycoplasma infections are more at risk of developing severe symptoms or in worst cases, pneumonia.

Although pneumonia is more common in winter, Queensland is reporting increased cases of Mycoplasma infections during summer, which Dr Gerrard says is likely due to the very little transmission of pathogens during the pandemic.

This has led to an overall waning in immunity against common bacteria like Mycoplasma, and an unusual increase in infections during busy periods with increased human interaction and travel.

“We have not really seen much mycoplasma in Australia since before the pandemic, since before 2020, so this is a significant rise,” Dr Gerrard said.

Sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia,” the infection usually goes away on its own but can last between four and six weeks.

There are no vaccines for the bacterial infection and it is known to be highly infectious, with an incubation period of up to four weeks.

A person with a Mycoplasma infection is contagious for about two to three weeks, which is the same time it takes for someone for symptoms to become noticeable.

The bacteria is spread when infected people talk, cough, sneeze or spread the infecting agents into the air near others.

It can also be spread through direct contact with hands, tissues and other objects, similar to Covid.

While Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are uncommon in children under five, if contracted, they are more susceptible to severe cases and pneumonia.

Queenslanders have been advised to stay at home and away from the vulnerable and elderly if exhibiting cold and flu symptoms.

Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat Mycoplasma infections in more severe cases.

Dr Gerrard said mask-wearing was not recommended as “routine”.

“If you’re sick, stay away but not as a routine,” he said.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

Sore throat/pharyngitis

Extreme tiredness/fatigue

Chest pain or discomfort

Low-grade fever, less than 38C

Mild chills

Cough

Chills

Sneezing

Headache