Fatalities are rare. Investigations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia Diagnosis relies heavily on serology as the clinical picture may not be distinguishable from other forms of pneumonia, particularly ornithosis and Q fever, and because culture is relatively difficult. The WCC may be normal or low. The level of cold haemagglutinins reflects the severity of the disease. Treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia Treatment is with erythromycin or tetracycline though neither antibiotic eradicates organisms from the throat.
Erythromycin resistance can arise during the course of treatment.
Clinical response is not dramatic and the patient may fell fatigued and unwell for some months despite apparent resolution of the illness. The infection may relapse, this probably because both the preferred antibiotics are bacteriostatic agents rather than bacteriocidal. A three-week course of treatment is justified, particularly if there is convincing serological evidence of infection. This can cause a wide range of conditions, most importantly respiratory disease in, typically, the low birth weight neonate. Infection may be acquired in utero.