Useful For

Detects the presence of IgM antibodies to M. pneumoniae in serum. Mycoplasmal pneumonia presents with flu-like symptoms but unlike most viral and bacterial pneumonia’s is more gradual in presentation and recovery.  M. pneumonia disease progression is usually limited to the respiratory system from the nasopharynx through bronchioles, resulting in widely varying symptoms more consistent with bronchitis than pneumonia.  Incidence peaks with 5-9 year olds and declines with age except for a slight rise in the 30-40 year age group.  The disease is rare in adults over 50 and infants.