Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria commonly cause mild infections of the respiratory system (the parts of the body involved in breathing). The most common illness caused by these bacteria, especially in children, is tracheobronchitis (chest cold). Lung infections caused by M. pneumoniae are sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia” since symptoms are generally mild. Sometimes M. pneumoniae can cause more serious lung infections that require care in a hospital though.