Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies, IgG, IgM

Overview:

Aid in the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia, which is a cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Primary infection usually occurs in children and reinfection in adults is common. Results must be interpreted in light of each patient's history, physical examination, and other diagnostic findings.

A positive result indicates prior exposure to Mycoplasma. A single positive IgG result may be present in the absence of any clinical symptoms as specific IgG antibodies may remain elevated long after initial infection. Recent or acute infection can only be documented by a positive Mycoplasma IgM result and/or a significant increase in the IgG value between sera drawn two to four weeks apart. Specific IgM antibodies may persist for several months after infection or be absent during reinfection.