Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia caused primarily by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It often presents with symptoms similar to those of a cold or mild flu, allowing individuals to continue daily activities.
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium that lacks a cell wall, making it unique among Gram-positive bacteria.
Walking pneumonia generally affects the respiratory tract and can lead to mild symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fatigue.
This condition is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation and may be confirmed using PCR or serological tests.
The bacteria responsible for walking pneumonia are known for their slow growth rates and require specialized media for culture in laboratory settings.
Antibiotics such as macrolides, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones are commonly used for treatment due to the lack of a cell wall in Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Review Questions
What type of bacterium causes walking pneumonia?
Why is Mycoplasma pneumoniae unique among Gram-positive bacteria?
What are common antibiotics used to treat walking pneumonia?
Related terms
Gram-Positive Bacteria: Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method.
Mycoplasma Genus: A genus of bacteria characterized by the absence of a cell wall, making them resistant to many common antibiotics.