Mikoplazmos is one of the types of bacterial infection that is caused by Mycoplasma, a unique, small bacterium that has no cell wall. This feature makes it especially hard to eliminate it with conventional antibiotics, because many of these drugs act on the walls of bacteria. Mikoplazmos is not limited to one area of infection, as it can involve various areas of the body.
In this article, we’ll discuss what Mikoplazmos is, what symptoms to look out for, how to get diagnosed, the available treatment and measures that can be taken to prevent it from occurring.
What is Mikoplazmos?
Mikoplazmos, popularly known as Mycoplasma infection, stems from the Mycoplasma bacteria pathogens. These bacteria are unique structures and behavior as they are the smallest pathogens that are free living in nature. Because there is no cell wall in Mycoplasma bacteria, these pathogens are very versatile and can bypass certain immune responses of the body, so the infection may be chronic and at times hard to treat.
Mycoplasma infections are in most cases asymptomatic and mild, but higher virulent strains are known to cause chronic respiratory illness, one such strain being Mycoplasma pneumoniae which causes a disease termed ‘walking pneumonia’. Some other species of Mycoplasma may be found to cause infections of the urogenital tract, especially in the immunocompromised individuals.
Mikoplazmos: Recognizing its Signs and Symptoms
The signs associated with Mikoplazmos also differ as to the location or body part infected as well as the specific strain involved. The following are some of the signs that are typical with some other types of Mikoplazmos: So}`);
1. Incomplete Upper Respiratory Tract Infection; Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Relentless coughing that has a dry nature
- I have a scratchy throat
- Elevated tiredness with an ill feeling
- Occasional slight elevation of temperature
- Feeling pain in the head, as well as in the muscles and the joints
- Coughing along with mild pleuritic pain
People often refer to upper respiratory infections caused by mycoplasma as “walking pneumonia” because they’re generally less severe than other types of pneumonia. That said, the cough can extend quite a bit, for the length of several weeks straining normal energy levels and even daily routines.
2. Incomplete Genital Tract Infections; Mycoplasma genitalium.
- Cysts that can be painful during: (dysuria) urination
- An off-putting discharge from the genitalia
- Pain in the lower abdomen (only in ladies)
- Feeling pain while having sexual intercourse
The latter was found in a lady suffering from mycoplasma genitalium infection as an overlapping STI syndrome which can be confused with other sexually transmitted illness STDs. If untreated, diseases like transient pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which have more severe consequences for women’s reproductive health, are possible from Mycoplasma.
3. Other Symptoms and Complications
- Joint pain and swelling (most common in immunocompromised)
- Rash on the skin
- Ear and sinus pains
Diagnosing Mikoplazmos
If you believe to have become infected with Mikoplazmos, any healthcare provider can carry out some tests that will help in making a diagnosis. Mycoplasma infection can be confirmed by blood or PCR tests which indicate Mycoplasma DNA as one of the pathogens causing the infection. For respiratory problems, analysis of sputum may be carried out. In the case of inflammation of the genital tract, a sample of urine or the infected area is taken to test and find the culprits.
Prompt treatment is crucial owing to the fact that Mikoplazmos even if left unattended, may result in some effects especially to the elderly, children and those whose immunity is low.
Treating Mikoplazmos: Available Options
Most practitioners will advise antibiotics as a treatment for Mikoplazmos, nevertheless, since this bacteria is naturally lacking a cell wall, there are some extremist antibiotics that cannot fight it. Treatment options include the following:
1. Antibiotics
- Macrolides (azithromycin): The first choice of treatment of Mycoplasma especially of respiratory tracts.
- Tetracyclines: (doxycycline): Also effective for genital Mycoplasma infections.
- Fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin): Medicines most often given when other antibiotics are not possible or not effective.
However, the location of the infection, its cause, and the client’s overall health will all influence the antibiotic treatment’s selection and length.
2. Mycoplasma causative agent
- For cough and fever associated with respiratory infection, medicines that are readily available like cough suppressants and fever reducers e.g. ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help.
- In genital Mycoplasma infection, both of the partners should be treated in order to avoid possible reinfection.
3. Recurrent Myoplasmas
- If there is no improvement and the symptoms persist after the prescribed antibiotic therapy, it is advisable to go back to the physician since some of the Mycoplasmas can become resistant to the antibiotics.
Preventing Mikoplazmos
Preventing Mikoplazmos is primarily a function of maintaining hygienic practices and lifestyle in addition to avoiding close contact with the infected persons. Here are some effective measures worth noting:
- Hygiene promotion: Due to the fact that Mycoplasma respiratory infections are likely to spread through droplets, frequent hand washing with soap is recommended.
- Avoid sharing of Items: Some items like utensils, water bottles that touch the mouth should not be shared.
- Protection during coitus: Genital contact can be prevented by the use of condoms which reduce the chances of infection by genital infectious Mycoplasma.
- Boosting the immune system: Consumption of a balanced diet, sleeping enough hours and working out regularly can enhance the immune system and effectively reduce the likelihood of infections.
When to See a Doctor
Consultation with a doctor is also warranted when micoplasmosis symptoms appear like dry coughs, unusual discharge from the genitals, pain in thoracic structures, or urinary tract pain. It is better to address such issues before they escalate or take much longer to resolve.
Conclusion
Mikoplasma is a kind of disease which is caused by an infective bacteria which is miliary and affects respiratory systems as well as the genital tract. Though most cases remain asymptomatic, the bacterium tends to persist in the body untreated causing different sorts of complications.
Identifying early microplasma infection symptoms, getting appropriate medical care on time, and practicing proper hygiene remain the most effective measures in the control and prophylaxis of Mikoplasmosos infections. This will limit the exposure to the health effects of this bacterium which can invade other organs of the body.