MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE IgM LAB TEST

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

It is a bacterium which is responsible for causing upper respiratory (lung) infections often referred to as
atypical pneumonia. Its symptoms are mostly mild, self-limiting & nonspecific like runny nose, bronchitis
(inflammation of bronchioles), & nonproductive cough (dry cough) for several weeks. M.pneumoniae is
responsible for about 15% to 20% cases of community acquired pneumonia. Its infections are more
prevalent in early fall & late summer.

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM lab test?

This laboratory test is used to measure IgM antibodies in blood produced in response to mycoplasma
pneumoniae infection. IgM antibodies which are produced after some days of infection & stay in the
body for short period during active infection, helps to determine current mycoplasma infections.

Why is Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM lab test done?

It is done:

• To diagnose current Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

• The infection includes several other syndromes like tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis, bullous
myringitis, & pneumonia. So, it helps diagnose these conditions.

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

• Sample required: blood

• The test is for: both genders

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• Firstly, a blood sample is taken by inserting needle in vein in arm

• The sample collected in air-tight vial or test tube is sent to the laboratory

• The technician performs Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test by technique called ELISA (enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay) on blood sample. And looks for IgM antibodies which indicate current
exposure to M.pneumoniae.

WHY GET TESTED?

You get tested to detect a current Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

TEST RESULTS

Mostly, IgG & IgM antibody test is taken together & their results are compared.

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:

IgM antibody ranges include:

• < or = 0.90: Negative, i.e. person does not have current mycoplasma infection. However, a single
negative result doesn't rule out the infection, as test maybe done early. So, a second sample should be
taken after 14 days.

• 0.91 to 1.09: Equivocal, i.e. no clear result. Repeat test again.

• > or = 1.10: Positive, i.e. Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies are present & there is current
infection.

FAQS:

1. What is meant by mycoplasma IgG positive?

It indicates that the person has had prior exposure to Mycoplasma. A single IgG test may come positive
even in the absence of clinical symptoms as IgG antibodies remain high long after initial infection

2. What is the method for confirming Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Its antibody test will require a blood sample while direct detection of Mycoplasma pathogen can be
done by a variety of samples.

3. For how long Mycoplasma IgM stays positive?

IgM antibodies appear in serum after 7 days of onset of symptoms & peak at b/w 10 to 30 days.

4. Which is the best antibiotic in case of Mycoplasma?

A macrolide antibiotic called Azithromycin is very effective against M.pneumoniae infections.

5. Does Mycoplasma count as bacteria or virus?

It is a bacteria which infects various body parts like lungs, skin, or urinary tract.