Mycoplasma pneumonia pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is transmitted through airborne droplets from person-to-person. M. pneumoniae is primarily an extracellular pathogen that has evolved a specialized attachment organelle for close association with host cells. The organism's tropism for respiratory epithelial cells and its synthesis of hydrogen peroxide aid in the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma. Additionally, Mycoplasma produces community acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin, a unique virulence factor which activates the host's inflammatory pathways and airway dysfunction.
Pathophysiology
Transmission
- Mycoplasma is thought to be exclusively a human pathogen.[1]
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is transmitted through airborne droplets from person-to-person.
- Incubation period ranges from 1 to 4 weeks.[2]
Host Invasion
- M. pneumoniae is primarily an extracellular pathogen that has evolved a specialized attachment organelle for close association with host cells.[3]
- M. pneumoniae’s attachment is important to the survival and existence of the bacterium within the host.
- The close association between M. pneumoniae and the host cells prevents the bacterium from being eliminated by the host’s mucociliary clearance mechanisms.
- The bacterium attaches to and damages the respiratory epithelial cells at the base of cilia, activating the innate immune response and producing local cytotoxic effects.[4]
Once attached to the mucosa of a host organism, M. pneumonia extracts nutrients, grows and reproduces by binary fission.
- While M. pneumoniae primarily lives on the surface of the respiratory epithelial cells, it has also been shown to invade tissues and replicate intracellularly.
- The endocytosis of M. pneumoniae by the host cells could aid in the establishment of a latent or chronic disease state, facilitate the bacterium in evading an immune response, or interfere with the efficacy of certain drug therapies.[5]
- M. pneumoniae has the following features which aid in its pathogenesis:[6]
- Tropism for respiratory epithelial cells
- Production of hydrogen peroxide, which may damage the respiratory tract and membranes of red blood cells
- Attachment sites include the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing pharyngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Virulence Factor - CARDS Toxin
- M. pneumoniae produces community acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin, a unique virulence factor.[7]
- The CARDS toxin most likely aids in the colonization and pathogenic pathways of M. pneumoniae, leading to activation of cytokines, inflammation, and airway dysfunction.[8]
References
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016
- ↑ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/history-patterns.html Accessed on Feb 10 2016