Mycoplasma is the smallest microorganism known to science today. Having a simple structure, mycoplasmas easily divide and multiply, even though their cell does not contain a nucleus. Scientists attribute this microorganism to an intermediate version, since according to the classification of microorganisms it does not fit any of the known classes.
Reproduction of mycoplasma in women, as well as in men, in 10% of cases causes pneumonia, and in 90% of cases the disease proceeds without lung damage. However, people are often found - carriers of mycoplasmosis, the body of which contains this microorganism, but there are no signs of the disease.
Pneumonia caused by mycoplasmosis is transmitted by airborne droplets, and the contact during transmission must be very tight. The source of the disease can be a family, a school
class, an office with employees. Most often, children and adults are affected, whose age ranges from 5 to 20 years. Mycoplasmas in women of this age are detected as often as in men. Adults get sick much less often, but the severity of the disease in adults can be much higher than in young people. Epidemic outbreaks of mycoplasmosis occur on the earth every 3 to 5 years. Elimination measures for mycoplasmosis do not provide for the isolation of sick people from healthy people. This is due to the fact that it is impossible to protect the population due to the isolation of mycoplasma carriers.
The incubation period (from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs) of the disease does not exceed two to three weeks. Mycoplasmas in women manifest their presence of headache, sore throat, muscle soreness, dry cough, lasting several weeks. The body temperature with mycoplasmosis is slightly elevated, however, acute pneumonia can be accompanied by a high temperature.
Mycoplasmas are classified by species, which are very diverse. The most dangerous for humans are microorganisms that can cause pneumonia, these are Micoplasma pnevmoniae, affecting the genitals, such as Micoplasma hominis and Micoplasma genitalium, and giving complications to the organs of the genitourinary system (Ureplasma urealyticum).
Mycoplasmas in women, affecting the organs of the genitourinary system, in most cases proceed secretively, without visible clinical manifestations. It is possible to detect the pathogen only with certain types of complications or with simultaneous damage to the body by mycoplasma infection and some other type of microorganism with which mycoplasmas can coexist perfectly. Mycoplasmosis during pregnancy can be established by a routine medical examination by a doctor who observes the course of pregnancy.
Mycoplasmas affecting the genitals are most often transmitted sexually, less commonly through infected underwear or by airborne droplets. Infection during sexual contact can occur from a partner who is a carrier of mycoplasma, without knowing it. The danger of this type of disease lies in the fact that a woman who has contracted mycoplasmosis often does not even realize this due to the absence of signs of the disease. Occasionally, minor pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region, can be observed. There may be discomfort with urination. The consequences of the disease are much more severe than the disease itself. Mycoplasmosis can
cause miscarriage, premature birth in the early stages of pregnancy. Infection in the late stages of pregnancy can lead to intrauterine infection of the fetus, in which severe damage to its brain is not ruled out.
The treatment of mycoplasmosis should be prescribed by a doctor who selects drugs and procedures that take into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Mycoplasmosis is treated with antibiotics, which should be prescribed depending on the sensitivity of the microbe and the body's response to their use.