Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection: Causes and How It Spreads

Key points

  • Bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause respiratory tract infections.
  • The bacteria are spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.
  • M. pneumoniae most often affects school-aged children and young adults.
  • People recovering from a respiratory illness and those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk for serious infection.
A computer-generated image of Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.

What causes it

M. pneumoniae are bacteria that can cause respiratory tract infections. They damage the lining of the respiratory tract, including the throat, windpipe, and lungs.

Keep Reading: About Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection

How the bacteria spread

People spread M. pneumoniae by coughing and sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets.

How to prevent spread

People can get an M. pneumoniae infection more than once.

There's no vaccine to prevent this infection. Healthcare providers generally don't prescribe antibiotics after exposure to help prevent someone from getting an M. pneumoniae infection.

However, there are steps people can take to help protect themselves.

Stop germs! Wash your hands‎‎

The best way to keep from getting or spreading M. pneumoniae is to wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
About Handwashing

Good hygiene

Covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of respiratory germs, including M. pneumoniae.

Risk factors

Risk for infection

Multiple factors increase risk for infection.

Age

People of all ages can get sick from M. pneumoniae.

It most commonly affects young adults and school-aged children.

Lengthy contact

Most people who spend a short amount of time with someone who is sick from M. pneumoniae don't get infected. However, people who spend a lot of time together are at increased risk.

This is especially true for people who live together. For example, during school-based outbreaks family members of ill school children are the most likely community members to be affected.

Crowded settings

People at increased risk include those who live or work in crowded settings where outbreaks most commonly occur, such as:

  • College residence halls
  • Detention or correctional facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care settings
  • Military training facilities
  • Schools

Risk for severe infections

People at increased risk for serious infection include those

  • Recovering from a respiratory illness
  • With preexisting lung conditions
  • With a weakened immune system
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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases