Mycoplasma Pneumoniae - IgM

Bacterial infections can cause undesirable symptoms in your body. The mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is one such illness that occurs due to a well-known bacterium specie. M pneumoniae (MP) leads to respiratory symptoms that are contagious in nature.

The chances of developing a pneumonia infection due to this bacterium are few. However, M pneumoniae can cause the following symptoms:

• Low-grade fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Mild shortness of breath

Hence, a mycoplasma pneumoniae infection causes signs that differ from the conventional pneumonia disease.

The following population groups are at a higher risk of suffering from this bacterial infection:

• Young children (under five years)
• Patients with lung, sickle cell disease
• Old adults
• People with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy

If you belong to any of these risk groups, it is crucial to undergo mycoplasma testing. In rare cases, this infection can cause issues like kidney failure, haemolytic anaemia, arthritis, etc. So, timely detection is necessary for prompt mycoplasma pneumoniae treatment.

Your body releases immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in response to the bacterial intervention. These antibodies become active and function to fight against the external antigen. Hence, the presence of IgM antibodies along with the symptoms can indicate an active M pneumoniae infection.

A mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test measures these antibodies in your blood. Generally, mycoplasma testing can require the following specimen:

• Blood
• Sputum
• Throat swab
• Joint fluid
• Tissues

Blood testing is the simplest method to measure immunoglobulin M antibodies. Simply put, positive results in this report signify the activity of these immune system proteins.

The testing procedure to detect this infection is relatively straightforward. A trained lab technician inserts a syringe with a sterilised needle in your arm. Next, this professional draws out a blood specimen from a vein. After collecting this sample, pathological experts detect the existence and quantity of IgM antibodies.

Notably, the IgM levels rise sharply right after the onset of this infection. These antibodies are detectable in your blood for several months. It is also vital to realise that their level starts declining gradually.

As the mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test has a procedure similar to most blood tests, you do not require any prior preparations. It is still essential to tell your doctor about any active medications.

After analysing your reports, the doctor can prescribe a customised mycoplasma pneumoniae treatment. Here are some of the well-known options:

• Antibiotics
• Immunomodulatory therapy
• Corticosteroids

Your doctor can suggest a combination of these treatments based on your immune response and condition. Detecting mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in the early stage can be difficult as you do not notice the symptoms instantly.

However, you should consult your doctor as soon as you feel the common signs. Apollo 24|7 offers the mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test at competitive rates. So, you can avail our lab facilities and initiate the treatment without considerable delay.