Analysis (positive) for Mycoplasma pneumonia, IgG, IgM, LgG antibodies. Anti mycoplasma pneumonia igg positive Deciphering a blood test for mycoplasma pneumonia

What is the essence of a laboratory test for antibodies to mycoplasma? When pathogenic microbes enter the body, the human immune system turns on the protective function of the body, which begins to produce antibodies aimed at neutralizing a foreign infection.

That is, in the body of the carrier of mycoplasma, an immune response to foreign agents begins to form.

At each stage of infection, certain proteins of the globulin fraction are produced, which are formed in the serum.

A/T is sometimes referred to as antibodies in everyday medical practice.

It is on this characteristic feature that the basic principle of ELISA is built, which makes it possible to establish how long ago the infection of the body occurred. After all, traces of infection are found in the blood test both immediately after infection with microbes and after the formation of an immune response to their presence.

Therefore, antibodies detected as a result of laboratory analysis of a / t to mycoplasma accurately indicate the duration of infection, as well as the acute or chronic form of the course of the disease, primary or secondary infection.

The presence of a / t - IgM, indicates that the infectious-inflammatory process is acute, a / t IgG - will make it possible to understand that this pathogenic agent was already familiar to the body earlier and the body has developed immune proteins against it.

If the analysis contains indicators of both antibodies, then, most likely, an exacerbation of chronic mycoplasmosis has occurred. Infection rarely develops persistent immunity to microbes. Most often this occurs with pneumonia caused by M.pneumoniae. In severe cases of the disease, a / t to mycoplasma can persist for more than 5 years.

How are antibodies to mycoplasma determined in the blood?

For research, venous blood is taken.

Antibodies to Mycoplasma hominis or genitalia are detected by ELISA, enzyme immunoassay.

This is a serological reaction, so the study should be carried out no earlier than the 5th day from the alleged infection.

The possibility of determining the full set of antibodies is possible from the 2nd week of the disease. Testing during the serological window will give a false negative result.

Qualitative ELISA determines whether antibodies to Mycoplasma hominis are present in the body. A quantitative test gives a more complete picture of the infectious process.

For the qualitative laboratory diagnosis of urogenital infections, it is important to correctly obtain clinical material for research from the patient.

To obtain the most reliable test result, it is recommended to comply with a number of requirements:

1. Donate biomaterial before the start of treatment or not earlier than 1 month after the end of antibiotic therapy;
2. Observe the time frame for obtaining biomaterial: a) from the urethra not earlier than 3 hours after the last urination, b) in the presence of abundant urethral discharge - 15-20 minutes after urination, c) from the cervical canal and vagina before menstruation or after 1-2 days after its completion;
3. To carry out the taking of biomaterial in sufficient quantities for laboratory research.

The advantages of the method are:

• the possibility of using a variety of biological material (scraping, urine, prostate secretion, semen, saliva, synovial fluid) depending on the location of the alleged pathogen localization;
• high sensitivity of the method allows early diagnosis of urogenital infections;
• high speed of analysis.

Interpretation of the results of the ELISA analysis

• IgM - negative (-), IgG - negative (-) - infection was not detected;
• IgM - negative (-), IgG - positive (+) - for a given period of time, immunity has been formed in the body. Treatment is not required;
• IgM - positive (+), IgG - negative (-) - the body has recently been infected with microbes, the inflammatory process proceeds in an acute form. Need treatment;
• IgM - positive (+), IgG - positive (+) - there was a secondary infection of the body with mycoplasma infection;

What are Mycoplasma IgA antibodies?

Antibodies of this class appear in the blood 10-14 days after infection.

Their main function is to protect the mucous membranes from the action of the pathogen.

The decrease in the level of these immunoglobulins begins in the interval from 2 to 4 months of illness.

What is the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgA antibody test used for?

This diagnostic procedure is the main one for confirming the presence or absence of an ongoing disease (including for diagnosing reinfection - that is, re-infection after recovery).

In addition, this analysis is necessary to confirm the diagnosis with the etiological agent Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a persistent or chronic form of infection, when there are no overt manifestations (obvious clinical signs of the presence of an infectious process), with an erased clinical picture, as well as with the imposition of a clinical picture of functional changes in the body.

Determination of IgA antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae is the basis for the differential diagnosis of mycoplasmal infection from other infections, such as staphylococcal or streptococcal respiratory tract infections.

Significance of IgG antibodies in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

To confirm the diagnosis, a blood test is performed for Ig to Mycoplasma pneumoniae M, A, G. This is done at intervals of 2-4 weeks.

A single measurement of antibody titers does not give a 100% diagnostic result. In adults, the increase in IgM levels is insignificant. In children, the level of IgG often remains at the normal level. Only an increase in antibody titer over time is an indicator of the presence of mycoplasma.

The earliest antibodies are specific immunoglobulins M. They appear after the first week of the disease and indicate the development of an acute process.

IgM growth can be observed within a month. After recovery, they should not be in the peripheral blood, however, according to some studies, a gradual decrease in the titer of these antibodies occurs within a year after the disease. Simultaneous blood testing for the content of IgM and IgG allows to prevent diagnostic errors. Upon re-initiation, IgM is usually not released.

If only IgG antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae are detected, then this indicates a past infection. At the beginning of the acute phase of the disease, this phenomenon is absent.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG may remain positive for several years after illness. Acquired immunity is not permanent. Possible reinfection and re-infection. In this case, Ig antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae G will increase.

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To date, there are no clinical, epidemiological or laboratory symptoms that would allow early detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae lung involvement. Diagnosis is carried out only after the appearance of symptoms characteristic of the pathology. There are certain signs that make it possible to suspect SARS:

• A sharp increase in body temperature from the first for the disease from 38 ° C.
• Productive cough with viscous purulent sputum.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and blue nasolabial triangle.
• An increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood.

Diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumonia consists of the following steps:

1. Taking an anamnesis and analyzing the patient's complaints - the doctor will find out how long ago the first painful symptoms appeared, whether there are chronic diseases and other features of the onset and course of the disease.
2. Visual examination and percussion - the doctor examines the patient's chest. If there is a retraction of the intercostal space or during breathing one side lags behind the other, then this indicates pneumonia. Percussion is also performed, that is, tapping the chest with your fingers. Based on the received sound, the doctor draws conclusions about the condition of the lungs.
3. Auscultation - using a stethophonendoscope, the lungs are auscultated. Normally, the sound should be clear, and breathing should be calm and measured. If breathing is difficult, there is gurgling or wheezing, then this is a sign of accumulation of exudate, which interferes with the normal functioning of the lungs.
4. Laboratory diagnostics - the patient must pass a general blood and urine test, sputum analysis, PCR, ELISA.
5. Instrumental diagnostics is a set of studies to establish the exact cause of a disease state. Patients are prescribed X-ray diagnostics, tomography, ultrasound, bronchoscopy, CT and other examinations.

Analyzes

Laboratory diagnosis of pulmonary mycoplasmosis consists of a set of such tests:

1. General blood analysis

• Erythrocytes are above normal.
• Leukocytes - significantly increased in the bacterial form of the disease.
• Leukocyte formula - neutrophils with toxic granularity predominate, formula shift to the left.
• Lymphocytes - reduced due to an increase in neutrophils.
• ESR - above the norm.
• Platelets are within the normal range.

The more severe the patient's condition, the more pronounced the changes in the blood.

1. Blood chemistry

• Total protein is normal.
• C-reactive protein is elevated.
• LDH and fibrinogens are elevated.
• Alpha and gamma globulins are elevated.

1. Analysis of sputum discharge - an increased number of neutrophils, fibrin, elastic fibers, red blood cells.
2. Analysis of blood and sputum for immunoglobulins IgM, G to mycoplasmas.
3. Blood test for bacterial DNA.
4. Blood gas analysis.

The attending physician is engaged in decoding the received analyzes. Based on their results, the doctor draws up a treatment plan or prescribes additional studies.

An experimental diagnostic method of molecular biology for determining the state of DNA fragments in a biological material is a polymerase chain reaction. PCR for suspected mycoplasma pneumonia is a study of blood, sputum, pleural fluid and other types of biomaterial for pathogenic microorganisms.

• Increased percentage of detection of DNA pathogens in clinical samples in comparison with standard diagnostic microbiological methods.
• High sensitivity for suspected generalized processes in the body.
• Identification of difficult-to-cultivate microorganisms and non-culturable forms of bacteria in persistent infections.

Detection of pathogens in the biomaterial is not always of diagnostic value. This is due to the fact that many microorganisms normally live in the respiratory tract, but under certain conditions they realize their pathogenic potential, causing infectious processes.

A laboratory immunological method for the qualitative/quantitative determination of viruses and other pathogens is ELISA. ELISA is performed in such cases:

• Search for specific antibodies to infectious pathologies.
• Determination of antigens for various diseases.
• Study of hormonal status.
• Examination for autoimmune diseases and tumor markers.

The advantages of ELISA are high sensitivity and specificity, the ability to determine the disease and follow the dynamics of the pathological process. The main disadvantage of the method is the detection of antibodies, that is, the immune response, and not the pathogen itself.

To detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae, blood is taken for ELISA. The analysis is considered confirmed if IgM, G immunoglobulins are detected in the blood. If the increase in antibody titer is increased by 3-4 or more times, then the enzyme immunoassay confirms atypical pneumonia.

Antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae igG

Specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection by various pathogens are immunoglobulins. Antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumonia igg are serological markers indicating a pathological process in the body.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae occupies an intermediate position between bacteria, protozoa and viruses. It causes damage to the respiratory system and accounts for about 20% of all cases of community-acquired pneumonia. After infection, the immune system begins to actively produce immunoglobulins of class A, M and G.

IgG against mycoplasma infection appears after 2-4 weeks and continues to be produced for a long period of time, usually more than a year. A blood test for these immunoglobulins is included in the complex of mandatory laboratory tests for suspected atypical pneumonia. To reduce the risk of diagnostic errors, a simultaneous analysis for IgM and IgG is indicated.

Antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae igM

To confirm acute mycoplasmal lesions of the respiratory system, patients are prescribed enzyme immunoassay. Antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM make it possible to differentiate atypical inflammation from other pathologies of the respiratory tract, for example, an infectious process caused by streptococci or staphylococci.

The reason for conducting a laboratory study are the following symptoms:

• Unproductive cough for a long period of time.
• Severe pain in the throat and chest.
• Muscle pain.
• Deterioration of general well-being.

The coefficient of positivity, indicating infection, are the values: 0-0.84. A negative result is possible not only in the absence of the disease, but also in chronic mycoplasmal infection, an early stage of infection, when the body has not yet developed an immune response. It should also be taken into account that IgM is usually not released during re-initiation.

Cold antibodies in mycoplasma pneumonia

Antibodies that cause erythrocyte aggregation when exposed to low temperatures are cold antibodies. In Mycoplasma pneumoniae, they most often belong to the IgM class. Normally, they can be found in healthy people, but they increase significantly 7-10 days after the onset of the disease. Cold exposure causes acute transient hemolytic anemia. A persistent increase in the titer of agglutinins leads to the development of a chronic form of pathology.

There are several types of cold agglutinins:

• The disease is caused by primary intravascular hemodialysis with monoclonal antibodies to erythrocyte I antigen. In this case, cold antibodies are formed in lymphoproliferative disorders.
• The disease state is due to secondary intravascular hemolysis. It is characterized by polyclonal antibodies in low titer and active in a narrow temperature range. Manifested with various infections. For example, with mycoplasmal pneumonia, cold agglutinins to the I-antigen of erythrocytes occur.

Cold antibodies in SARS can be a mixture of various immunoglobulins. The activation of agglutinins begins already at 37 °C and causes such pathological reactions: acrocyanosis and hemolysis due to complement activation.

Instrumental diagnostics

To determine the localization of the inflammatory focus in the lungs, its size and other features, instrumental diagnostics is shown. The complex of studies consists of the following procedures:

• Radiography.
• Fibrobronchoscopy.
• The function of external respiration.
• Electrocardiography.

The main diagnostic method is radiography. It allows you to identify foci of inflammation, which in the picture appear darker than the rest of the lung. There is also a change in the lung pattern and proliferation of connective tissue. With pneumonia, it is possible to change the pulmonary roots, damage the pleura, and even the presence of an abscess in the organ. Radiography is performed in two projections - direct and lateral.

Tomography gives the same result as an x-ray, so it is rarely performed if SARS is suspected. Ultrasound diagnostics is also rarely performed, since it detects only exudate in the lungs, which is also visible on x-rays. As for bronchoscopy, it is necessary to obtain more accurate results of the study.

Differential Diagnosis

For successful treatment of any disease, a comprehensive examination is necessary. Differential diagnosis of atypical pneumonia is aimed at excluding pathologies with similar symptoms. This allows you to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe therapy.

Differentiation is carried out in several stages:

1. Collection of primary data and formation of a list of possible diseases.
2. The study of symptoms, changes in the dynamics of well-being and other factors of the disease.
3. Comparative analysis of the obtained data, assessment of similar and different values.
4. Identification of third-party symptoms that are not related to the suspected pathology.
5. Exclusion of diseases whose clinical signs are not included in the overall picture.
6. Making a final diagnosis and drawing up a treatment plan.

The data collected and analyzed during the diagnostic process give a reliable picture of the disease state. Differentiation of SARS is carried out with the most common harmful microorganisms:

• Mycoplasma - acute onset, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, cough with poorly separated sputum. As a rule, it develops in young patients.
• Pneumococci - acute onset of the disease, severe fever, severe course, but a good response to penicillin antibiotics.
• Staphylococci - acute onset and severe course, limited infiltrates, resistance to penicillins.
• Haemophilus influenzae - severe course, extensive infiltrates, thick sputum with blood impurities, abscess formation. Most often occurs in patients with chronic bronchopulmonary pathologies and alcoholism.
• Legionellosis - severe course, diarrhea and liver dysfunction, neurological disorders. People who stay in air-conditioned rooms for a long time are susceptible to the disease.
• Aspiration - putrid sputum, multiple and confluent foci of inflammation, reflex cough and increased salivation.
• Pneumocysts - increasing shortness of breath with frequent coughing attacks. Severe symptoms with mild radiographic features.
• Fungi - the rapid development of a febrile state, cough with poor sputum discharge, severe febrile state, chest pain.

Most pathogens have a similar symptom complex, so considerable attention is paid to bacterial culture. Atypical pneumonia is differentiated from other diseases. During the examination, the doctor determines extrapulmonary pathologies with signs of the respiratory system and limits pulmonary inflammation from other possible disorders of the respiratory system:

1. Tuberculosis is most often mistaken for pneumonia. It proceeds with a dry cough, subfebrile body temperature and pallor of the skin. If positive tuberculin tests are detected, then the diagnosis becomes more complicated. The main differences from pneumonia: heterogeneous and compacted shadows, areas of enlightenment are similar to seeded foci. In sputum, a massive spread of mycobacteria is observed. Leukocytes are increased in the blood.
2. Bronchitis - occurs after SARS or against their background. In the early stages, it is accompanied by a dry cough, which gradually turns into a productive one. The elevated temperature lasts for 2-3 days, and then remains in subfebrile limits. There is no infiltration, the pulmonary pattern is enhanced. Very often, pneumonia is diagnosed as an exacerbation of bronchitis.
3. Influenza - in the epidemiological period it is very difficult to distinguish between pulmonary inflammation and influenza infection. The features of the clinical picture of the disease are taken into account.
4. Pleurisy is an inflammatory pathology in the respiratory system, similar to pleural changes. Occurs with pain in the chest and during coughing. The main diagnostic sign of pleurisy is wheezing, that is, the sounds of friction of the pleura during breathing. Particular attention is paid to the results of biochemical analysis.
5. Atelectasis is a pulmonary pathology with tissue collapse and impaired gas exchange. In its symptoms, it resembles pneumonia: respiratory failure, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin. Chest pain in this disease is caused by a violation of gas exchange. In the curtailed area of ​​​​the organ, an infection gradually develops. Atelectasis is associated with trauma, blockage and compression of the lungs, and destructive tissue changes.
6. Oncological processes - the initial stages of the disease do not differ from atypical pneumonia. Differentiation is based on a comprehensive diagnostic approach with a careful study of the signs of cancer.

In addition to the above diseases, mycoplasma pneumonia is differentiated from dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, hepostasis, rheumatoid arthritis, collagenosis, pulmonary infarction and other body disorders.

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Mycoplasma pneumonia is the causative agent of an atypical pulmonary infection, manifested by catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, severe intoxication, dyspeptic symptoms, asthenization of the body. In patients, the body temperature rises, nasal breathing is disturbed, there is a sore throat and paroxysmal excruciating cough. These symptoms develop against the background of general malaise, weakness, weakness, headache, myalgia, and abdominal discomfort. Mycoplasma infection leads to the development of pneumonia, pharyngitis, bronchiolitis, tracheobronchitis.

Back in the early 20th century, scientists found that there is a special type of infection that causes pneumonia and does not look like a typical bacterial one. The isolated microorganisms affected the bronchi and pulmonary interstitium, and cold agglutinins to human erythrocytes were found in the blood of patients. Foreign scientist Eaton determined the etiology of primary atypical pneumonia. He isolated a pathogenic biological agent from the sputum of patients, which caused pneumonia in experimental animals and was neutralized by the sera of recovered people.

Mycoplasma infection is ubiquitous. Most often, pulmonary mycoplasmosis is recorded in people suffering from chronic diseases of the broncho-pulmonary apparatus or having a dysfunction of the immune system. They are also carriers of the pathogen in 40% of cases. The peak incidence occurs in the autumn-winter period. Pathology affects mainly children, adolescents and young people up to 35 years of age. In most cases, mycoplasmosis occurs sporadically, outbreaks of infection are possible. Every 3-7 years there are epidemics of mycoplasma infection. The pulmonary form usually develops in employees of the same team or members of the same family, as well as in kindergarten students, schoolchildren, students and military personnel. Most often, infection with mycoplasmas is observed in large cities with a high population density.

Diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia consists in radiography and tomography of the lungs, serological analysis and polymerase chain reaction. The infection is treated with antibiotics. Patients are prescribed drugs from the group of macrolides and fluoroquinolones. Symptomatic therapy - the use of bronchodilators, mucolytics and expectorants, immunomodulators, physiotherapy.

Etiology

Mycoplasmas are microorganisms that lack a cell wall. They are separated from the external environment by the cytoplasm - the thinnest film visible only in an electron microscope. With its help, microbes are fixed on the cells of the human body and protected from immune mechanisms. Mycoplasmas are the simplest self-reproducing living organisms.

The resource of mycoplasma is infected people and healthy bacillus carriers. The mechanism of infection is aerosol, realized by airborne droplets. Bacteria enter the external environment with the discharge of the respiratory tract - with droplets of sputum and saliva secreted by a sick person when coughing, talking, sneezing. It is possible to become infected through the contact-household route through the infected things of the patient.

Mycoplasmas are not very resistant to environmental factors: heating, drying, ultrasound, acid-base imbalance, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma radiation, various disinfectants and most antibiotics. They cannot exist for a long time in the external environment and are highly sensitive to surfactants such as bile, soaps, alcohols.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the cause of the following diseases:

1. throat inflammation,
2. bronchial asthma,
3. Inflammation of the bronchi
4. pneumonia,
5. pericarditis,
6. otitis,
7. encephalitis,
8. meningitis,
9. hemolytic anemia.

In the absence of timely and appropriate treatment, pneumonia will be associated with serious consequences.

Symptoms

Mycoplasma pneumonia causes respiratory mycoplasmosis, which occurs in the form of acute inflammation of the bronchi or lungs.

Incubation lasts an average of 14 days. At this time, the person does not suspect that he is sick.

Patients develop the following symptoms:

• Signs of nasopharyngitis- pain and sore throat, hoarseness of voice, congestion and dryness in the nose,
• Dry agonizing cough choking character or paroxysmal wet cough with purulent sputum,
• Rise in body temperature to febrile values,
• General deterioration weakness, hyperhidrosis.

Extrapulmonary manifestations of infection include: skin rash, muscle and joint pain, regional lymphadenitis, cephalgia, diarrhea, liver enlargement and pain in the right hypochondrium, insomnia, paresthesia. If treatment is not started on time, the patient will have serious complications up to death.

A similar clinical picture develops mainly in adults. In young children, the clinic of pneumonia is more pronounced. When viewed in the first days of the disease, signs of pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis are found. When the infection goes down, symptoms of inflammation of the lungs or bronchi appear.

In sick children there is:

1. migraine headache,
2. Throat hyperemia, pain when swallowing,
3. Shaking chills and fever
4. Discoordination of movements
5. dyspepsia,
6. Tachycardia,
7. acrocyanosis,
8. Dyspnea,
9. Paroxysmal and prolonged cough with scanty discharge,
10. Pain in the chest, aggravated by breathing.

The disease usually resolves on its own and has a favorable prognosis. Symptoms disappear by the 10th day of illness. It is possible to develop complications in the form of inflammation of the meninges, joints and kidneys. With the addition of a secondary infection, bacterial pneumonia develops. Pulmonary mycoplasmosis in severe cases in children is accompanied by generalization of infection with damage to the nervous system and internal organs, the development of obstructive syndrome, asphyxia.

Respiratory mycoplasmosis often occurs as a mixed infection with viral diseases. In this case, the clinic of the disease is aggravated, it acquires a protracted course, especially when combined with adenovirus infection.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary mycoplasmosis are carried out by infectious disease doctors and pulmonologists. Half of patients with mycoplasmal pneumonia are mistakenly diagnosed with influenza or other acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, tracheitis. This is due to the lack of clear physical and radiographic signs of lung damage. Microbiological identification of mycoplasmas takes a total of 7-10 days. Such an expectation of the results of a bacteriological study is unacceptable, especially when it comes to a sick child. Differentiate bacteria within the genus according to common biological properties. Accurate identification is made by serological methods.

Diagnosis of diseases of mycoplasmal etiology consists in studying clinical data, conducting a serological study and setting up a polymerase chain reaction.

There is a large set of various methods for diagnosing mycoplasmal infection. But their practical value is far from unambiguous. Isolation of mycoplasma takes a long time and does not always give a positive result even when examining patients with a known diagnosis. The frequency of isolation of mycoplasma from patients in the presence of high-quality media and extensive experience of researchers does not exceed 50-60%. None of the above methods can guarantee 100% detection of the pathogen. It is necessary to use simultaneously two different methods aimed at isolating the pathogen or its antigens and classes of specific antibodies.

Treatment

All patients with mycoplasma pneumonia undergo etiotropic antibacterial treatment, choosing drugs to which the microbe is most sensitive.

Usually antibiotics from the tetracycline group are used.- "Tetracycline", "Doxycycline", macrolides - "Azithromycin", "Erythromycin", fluoroquinolones - "Ciprofloxacin", "Ofloxacin". The course of treatment is 21 days. An acute form of pneumonia is treated in a hospital. Patients are prescribed bed rest, diet therapy and a full drink of up to two liters per day. Fruit drinks, water, juices, compotes, rosehip infusion are especially useful for patients.

1. Expectorants - Ambrobene, Bromhexine, ACC,
2. Antipyretics - Ibuprofen, Paracetamol,
3. Analgesics - "Analgin", "Baralgin",
4. Immunomodulators - "Imunoriks", "Ismigen",
5. Sprays for the throat - "Ingalipt", "Tantum Verde", "Kameton".

Auxiliary methods that allow patients to rehabilitate faster are: exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, spa treatment.

Folk remedies that increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and speed up the healing process - infusion of St. John's wort, chamomile, cornflower, blackberry, inhalation with needles and eucalyptus.

Criteria for recovery can be X-ray data, as well as indicators of specific and nonspecific immunity.

Prevention

To prevent the development of mycoplasma pneumonia will help simple preventive measures:

• Maintaining the immune system at an optimal level,
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Stop smoking and alcohol abuse,
• Use of personal protective equipment during epidemics - wearing a mask,
• Prophylactic intake of vitamin and mineral complexes,
• moderate physical activity,
• complete sleep,
• Balanced diet,
• Walks in the open air,

For antibodies to mycoplasma? When pathogenic microbes enter the body, the human immune system turns on the protective function of the body, which begins to produce antibodies aimed at neutralizing a foreign infection.

That is, in the body of the carrier of mycoplasma, an immune response to foreign agents begins to form.

At each stage of infection, certain proteins of the globulin fraction are produced, which are formed in the serum.

A/T is sometimes referred to as antibodies in everyday medical practice.

It is on this characteristic feature that the basic principle of ELISA is built, which makes it possible to establish how long ago the infection of the body occurred. After all, traces of infection are found in the blood test both immediately after infection with microbes and after the formation of an immune response to their presence.

Therefore, antibodies detected as a result of laboratory analysis of a / t to mycoplasma accurately indicate the duration of infection, as well as the acute or chronic form of the course of the disease, primary or secondary infection.

The presence of a / t - IgM, indicates that the infectious-inflammatory process is acute, a / t IgG - will make it possible to understand that this pathogenic agent was already familiar to the body earlier and the body has developed immune proteins against it.

If the analysis contains indicators of both antibodies, then, most likely, an exacerbation of chronic has occurred. Infection rarely develops persistent immunity to microbes. Most often this occurs with pneumonia caused. In severe cases of the disease, a / t to mycoplasma can persist for more than 5 years.

How are antibodies to mycoplasma determined in the blood?

For research, venous blood is taken.

Antibodies to or are detected by ELISA, enzyme immunoassay.

This is a serological reaction, so the study should be carried out no earlier than the 5th day from the alleged infection.

The possibility of determining the full set of antibodies is possible from the 2nd week of the disease. Testing during the serological window will give a false negative result.

Important! Distinguish qualitative and quantitative enzyme immunoassay.

Qualitative ELISA determines whether antibodies to Mycoplasma hominis are present in the body. A quantitative test gives a more complete picture of the infectious process.

For high-quality laboratory diagnostics, it is important to correctly obtain clinical material for research from the patient.

To obtain the most reliable test result, it is recommended to comply with a number of requirements:

1. Donate biomaterial before the start of treatment or not earlier than 1 month after the end of antibiotic therapy;
2. Observe the time frame for obtaining biomaterial: a) from the urethra not earlier than 3 hours after the last urination, b) in the presence of abundant urethral discharge - 15-20 minutes after urination, c) from the cervical canal and vagina before menstruation or after 1-2 days after its completion;
3. To carry out the taking of biomaterial in sufficient quantities for laboratory research.

The advantages of the method are:

• the possibility of using a variety of biological material (scraping, urine, prostate secretion, semen, saliva, synovial fluid) depending on the location of the alleged pathogen localization;
• high sensitivity of the method allows early diagnosis of urogenital infections;
• high speed of analysis.

Interpretation of the results of the ELISA analysis

• IgM - negative (-), IgG - negative (-) - no infection was detected;
• IgM - negative (-), IgG - positive (+) - for a given period of time, immunity has been formed in the body. Treatment is not required;
• IgM - positive (+), IgG - negative (-) - the body has recently been infected with microbes, the inflammatory process proceeds in an acute form. Need treatment;
• IgM - positive (+), IgG - positive (+) - there was a secondary infection of the body with mycoplasma infection;

What are Mycoplasma IgA antibodies?

Antibodies of this class appear in the blood 10-14 days after infection.

Their main function is to protect the mucous membranes from the action of the pathogen.

The decrease in the level of these immunoglobulins begins in the interval from 2 to 4 months of illness.

Important! Antibodies to mycoplasma class IgA do not decrease with ineffective treatment. Therefore, such an analysis can be used to monitor therapy.

What is the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgA antibody test used for?

This diagnostic procedure is the main one for confirming the presence or absence of an ongoing disease (including for diagnosing reinfection - that is, re-infection after recovery).

In addition, this analysis is necessary to confirm the diagnosis with the etiological agent Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a persistent or chronic form of infection, when there are no overt manifestations (obvious clinical signs of the presence of an infectious process), with an erased clinical picture, as well as with the imposition of a clinical picture of functional changes in the body.

Determination of IgA antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae is the basis for the differential diagnosis of mycoplasmal infection from other infections, such as staphylococcal or streptococcal respiratory tract infections.

Significance of IgG antibodies in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

To confirm the diagnosis, a blood test is performed for Ig to Mycoplasma pneumoniae M, A, G. This is done at intervals of 2-4 weeks.

A single measurement of antibody titers does not give a 100% diagnostic result. In adults, the increase in IgM levels is insignificant. the level of IgG often remains at the normal level. Only an increase in antibody titer over time is an indicator of the presence of mycoplasma.

The earliest antibodies are specific immunoglobulins M. They appear after the first week of the disease and indicate the development of an acute process.

IgM growth can be observed within a month. After recovery, they should not be in the peripheral blood, however, according to some studies, a gradual decrease in the titer of these antibodies occurs within a year after the disease. Simultaneous blood testing for the content of IgM and IgG allows to prevent diagnostic errors. Upon re-initiation, IgM is usually not released.

If only IgG antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae are detected, then this indicates a past infection. At the beginning of the acute phase of the disease, this phenomenon is absent.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG may remain positive for several years after illness. Acquired immunity is not permanent. Possible reinfection and re-infection. In this case, Ig antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae G will increase.

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Study Description

Preparation for the study: Special training is not required. It is recommended not to smoke 30 minutes before donating blood for research. Material under study: Taking blood

The production of IgG to Mycoplasma pneumoniae begins approximately 2-4 weeks after infection, and continues for a long time: up to a year or more.

The presence in the blood of class G immunoglobulins to Mycoplasma pneumoniae indicates the presence of an acute or past illness, as well as reinfection and a chronic inflammatory process.

It should be remembered that the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection should be complex, based on epidemiological history, clinical symptoms and data from other tests. A study for the presence of class M and G immunoglobulins is mandatory.

Method

Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) is a laboratory immunological method for the qualitative or quantitative determination of various compounds, macromolecules, viruses, etc., which is based on a specific antigen-antibody reaction. The resulting complex is detected using the enzyme as a label for signal recording. Due to the undoubted advantages - ease of use, speed, objective automated recording of results, the possibility of studying immunoglobulins of various classes (which plays a role in the early diagnosis of diseases, their prognosis), ELISA is currently one of the main methods of laboratory diagnostics.

Reference values ​​- norm
(Mycoplasma pneumoniae, IgG antibodies, quantitative, blood)

Information regarding the reference values ​​​​of the indicators, as well as the very composition of the indicators included in the analysis, may differ slightly depending on the laboratory!

Norm:

Normally, it is not detected (negative), if the desired antibodies are found, their number is indicated in the conclusion.

Indications

• Symptoms of infection with mycoplasma (unproductive cough, fever, headaches, sore throat and muscles that persist for several weeks) - to confirm infection (including reinfection) with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as for the differential diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumonia from other infectious diseases of the respiratory tract ..
• Suspicion of a chronic or persistent form of mycoplasmal pneumonia, manifested by frequent relapses.

Increasing values ​​(positive result)

• Current acute mycoplasma infection
• Chronic mycoplasma infection
• The presence of IgG in the absence of IgM indicates reinfection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

More about the study

Mycoplasma pneumonias (sometimes called "atypical pneumonias") account for up to 15-20% of all cases of community-acquired pneumonia. Sometimes they can lead to whole epidemics, especially in school-age children and in closed populations, like in the military. The source of infection are both patients and carriers. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, the incubation period lasts 2-3 weeks. The symptoms of mycoplasma infection vary. In most cases, the disease is mild and is accompanied by cough, runny nose, sore throat, which persist for several weeks. When the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, headaches, intoxication, fever, and muscle pain occur. Pneumonia is most severe in young children and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.

The diagnosis of "mycoplasmal infection" is often difficult, so several research methods are used, in which serological tests play a leading role.

In response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, the immune system produces specific immunoglobulins: IgA, IgM and IgG.

The production of class G immunoglobulins to Mycoplasma pneumoniae does not begin immediately after infection, after about 2-4 weeks, but continues for a long period (a year or more).

The presence of class G immunoglobulins to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the blood indicates an acute or past illness, a chronic inflammatory process, or reinfection.

What is research used for?

• To confirm the current disease (including reinfection) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• For the differential diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia and other infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia caused by streptococci or staphylococci.
• For the diagnosis of mycoplasmal infection in chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.

When is the study scheduled?

• With symptoms of a disease caused by mycoplasma (unproductive cough that can persist for several weeks, fever, sore throat, headaches and muscle pain).
• If you suspect a chronic or persistent form of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, manifested by frequent relapses.

Editor

Pulmonologist

Mycoplasma pneumonia in adults is an inflammation of the lungs of an atypical group, when the inflammatory process is provoked by the mycoplasma bacterium.

Among pneumonia, this pathology is quite common and accounts for more than a third of all pulmonary lesions of a non-bacterial nature. The disease can be single (random) or massive (epidemic).

The peak of infection occurs in the cold season (autumn, winter). The most susceptible to infection are children and young people under the age of 37-40 years. ICD-10: J15.7

Microbiology

Mycoplasmosis is the result of infection of the lungs by a pathogenic microorganism Mycoplasma pneumoniae. According to taxonomy, it belongs to the category of anaerobic with high virulence.

In mycoplasma pneumoniae, the microbiology is presented as follows. These are very small prokaryotic organisms close in size to viruses, and in structure to the bacterial L-form, since they do not have a cell wall. They are adsorbed on epitheliocytes and fixed on membranes or penetrate into cells.

The fixation of mycoplasma in tissues excites an autoimmune reaction, and autoantibody formation provokes the corresponding manifestations of the disease. This microorganism can persist for a long time in the epithelial cells and the annulus of the lymphopharyngeal zone. Accumulating in the nasopharyngeal mucus, it is easy. Outside the human body, the infection is unstable.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes not only pneumonia, it also becomes the culprit of bronchial asthma, pharyngitis, COPD, as well as some non-respiratory diseases:

• meningitis;
• otitis;
• pericarditis;
• others.

The absence of a cell wall makes mycoplasma highly resistant to many drugs, in particular to β-lactam antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins).

Ways of bacterial infection

The source of pathogenic mycoplasma is a sick person, but it is also possible to become infected from an infection carrier who does not show signs of the disease due to high immune defenses. The most common way of infection is an aerogenic mechanism, when the pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, close contact).

Most often, infection occurs in a group. In principle, infection is possible through sputum that has fallen on things or any objects. However, the contact-household method is rarely recorded due to the low viability of the pathogen in the external environment.

The incubation period is 2-4 weeks. During this time, mycoplasma through the pharynx and larynx penetrates into the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea.

Having fixed on the epithelium of the respiratory tract, it affects the cellular bridges and disrupts the tissue structure.

Diagnostics

One of the most common ways to diagnose pneumonia is considered. However, in the case of mycoplasmal etiology in the initial period, the X-ray technique is not able to detect pathology. Early diagnosis becomes possible when:

• serotyping;
• blood test for PCR;
• enzyme immunoassay (ELISA).

Widely used:

• aggregate-hemagglutination reactions (RAHA);
• complement binding (RCC);
• indirect immunofluorescence (RNIF).

Blood test for antibodies

All of these technologies are based on the detection in blood serum and secrets of specific antibodies to mycoplasma, which are produced by the immune system in response to infection. During the initial infection, early antibodies are produced - class M immunoglobulins. An increase in their level (IgM) indicates the onset of an acute inflammatory reaction.

As immune proteins are produced, IgM decreases, but other antibodies appear - immunoglobulins G. Their level (IgG) indicates the duration of the process or the fact that the body was previously affected by mycoplasma. Thus, antibodies to mycoplasma pneumonia IgM and IgG indicate not only the penetration of the infection, but also the duration and severity of the lesion. .

When the analysis is deciphered, mycoplasma pneumonia is detected by the following indicators:

1. Negative results for IgM and IgG indicate the absence of infection.
2. IgG antibodies detected, i.e. IgG result (+) was obtained, but IgM result was negative (-). This indicates that infection occurred, but the pathogen is suppressed, and immunity to it is formed. Treatment may not be carried out, but control should be ensured.
3. Antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG are absent, that is, IgG - (-), while IgM is positive (+). Such an analysis indicates the onset of an acute development of pneumonia, and adequate treatment is necessary.
4. IgG positive (+), IgM also positive (+). This means that the body has previously suffered a similar infection, but a re-infection has occurred, and the process begins to take on an acute form. The immune system is failing and appropriate treatment is needed.
5. IgM antibodies are detected already 4-5 days after infection, and the rate gradually increases. Immunoglobulins IgG appear 17-20 days after infection. They remain in the blood for 2-3 years after complete recovery. To detect all antibodies, studies are carried out several times with an interval of 10-14 days.

The course of mycoplasmal pneumonia can be aggravated by the activation of cold antibodies (agglutinins). They appear as a reaction to hypothermia or cold drinking. As a result, the likelihood of developing dangerous pathological reactions - hemolysis and acrocyanosis - increases.

Important! Activation of cold antibodies is detected by a corresponding increase in IgM. RAGA helps to recognize this change. The accumulation of antibodies on erythrocytes helps to determine the Coombs test.

Clinical symptoms

The incubation period is usually 13-15 days, but can take up to a month. In the initial period, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• headache;
• general weakness;
• perspiration and dryness in the throat;
• runny nose;
• subfebrile temperature.

One of the characteristic features -. Initially, it has an unproductive character, but gradually viscous sputum with mucus begins to appear.

More obvious symptoms appear 5-7 days after the first signs. Body temperature rises to 39.5-40 degrees and remains at a high level for up to 6-7 days, after which it again becomes subfebrile.

Appears pronounced with intensification with a deep breath. Extrapulmonary symptoms are also found:

• skin rash;
• myalgia;
• insomnia;
• discomfort in the stomach;
• paresthesia.

Pneumonia is usually accompanied by diseases of the upper respiratory tract (rhinopharyngobronchitis, pharyngobronchitis, rhinobronchitis, bronchiolitis).

Treatment

The treatment regimen depends on. In the acute form, treatment is carried out in stationary conditions with quarantine. It is based on antibiotic treatment with the appointment of such groups of drugs:

• macrolides;
• fluoroquinolones;
• tetracyclines.

The course of taking antibiotics is 13-15 days, with preference given to a stepwise scheme (at the initial stage - injections, and then - orally).

Depending on the manifestations of pneumonia, symptomatic therapy with the appointment:

• bronchodilators;
• painkillers and expectorants;
• antipyretics;
• immunostimulants;
• hormones.

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Conclusion

Mycoplasma pneumonia is a special form of pneumonia that requires a specific approach to diagnosis and treatment. Only modern techniques make it possible to timely identify the nature of the pathology, and therefore determine the optimal treatment regimen. In its advanced form, the disease can lead to serious consequences, even death.