Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection of the lungs from the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae).

See also:

• Atypical pneumonia
• Viral pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia usually affects people younger than 40. Various studies suggest that it makes up 15 - 50% of all pneumonia cases in adults and even more in school-aged children.

People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia include those living or working in crowded areas such as schools and homeless shelters, although many people who contract mycoplasma pneumonia have no identifiable risk factor.

Images

Exfoliation following erythroderma

Lungs

Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm

Erythema multiforme on the leg

Respiratory system

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

Review Date: 09/15/2010
Reviewed By: Denis Hadijiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)