Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria causes a mild infection in the respiratory system. It causes tracheobronchitis, especially in children (chest cold). It spreads through air from the coughing of an infected person. Once infected, the first immune response will be the production of IgM but may persist for several months after the initial infection. IgG antibody production follows IgM production, rising over time and stabilizing. Once they have had the infection, the produced IgG remain in the blood for the rest of the person’s life.
Interpretation:Although a traditional Mycoplasma culture may be performed instead of antibody tests, culturing of Mycoplasma is not always as successful as other bacteries like Staphilococci or Streptococci. If Mycoplasma IgM is found positive, mostly after 7-9 days of the symptoms, this shows the active infection. Ig M peaks in 3-6 weeks and may persist positive for 2-3 months. Then IgG starts to increase for lifetime where the two anibodies may both be present in the blood for the rest of life.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Monday
Result Time: Next day 6:00 PM
