Risk factors for Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract infection:
(1) outbreak
(2) smoker
(3) no or low levels of serum IgG anti-mycoplasma antibodies (indicating either no previous exposure or immunosuppression)
Clinical findings - common (present in > 50%):
(1) oral temperature >= 37.3°C
(2) fatigue
(3) headache
(4) cough, which may become chronic
(5) sputum production
(6) sore throat
(7) myalgias
(8) rhinorrhea
Clinical findings - less common:
(1) chest soreness
(2) eye irritation
(3) diarrhea
(4) post-tussive emesis
Laboratory findings:
(1) seroconversion in anti-mycoplasma antibodies
(2) reduced absolute lymphocyte count (< 1,600 per µL)
(3) positive culture and/or PCR for Mycoplasma
(4) exclusion of other causes (Legionella, Chlamydophila, bacteria, viruses)
Radiologic findings:
(1) pulmonary infiltrate if pneumonia develops
