<i>MYCOPLASMA</i> PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Our study of 100 patients with Myco-plasma pneumonia has confirmed the findings of many other authors. Mycoplasma pneumonia may involve upper as well as lower lobes, may be unilateral or bilateral, may be associated with pleural effusions, and may appear roentgenographically as segmental consolidation or diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates. In addition, we have noted 2 distinct clinico-roentgenographic syndromes: symptoms suggestive of acute bacterial pneumonia are associated with the lobar segmental pattern, while non-specific symptoms accompanied by dyspnea are associated with the reticulonodular pattern. The existence of underlying parenchymal lung disease, history of previous infection, and differing immune defenses are discussed as factors which may be involved in apparently different responses to the same infectious agent. More sensitive serologic and culture methods are needed for further investigation of these syndromes.