Mycoplasma pneumonia in the elderly

Mycoplasma pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection associated with pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is between viruses and bacteria, can grow on cell-free medium, has no cell wall, contains RNA and DNA, and generates energy through metabolism, which is often confused with the L-type of bacteria. The colonies of the two are similar. Mycoplasma is the pathogen of various diseases in animals. Currently, there are 8 types of human mycoplasma. Only Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause respiratory infections. It can ferment glucose and produce hemolysin. It can completely dissolve sheep and guinea pigs within 24 to 48 hours. The red blood cells can be distinguished from other mycoplasmas. Other mycoplasmas can cause urogenital infections and generally do not invade the respiratory tract. Mycoplasma pneumoniae often causes upper respiratory tract infections without pneumonia and can also cause asymptomatic infections. Reports at home and abroad have shown that the incidence of mycoplasma pneumonia has increased significantly in recent years.