How to Prevent Mycoplasma Infections

A mycoplasma infection is usually caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a member of the Mycoplasma genus. These infections are a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and epidemics occur mostly in closed populations because they require prolonged contact with infected persons to be contracted. Mycoplasma infections are transmitted through inhaling infectious respiratory secretions and usually affect the lungs first. The following steps will show how to prevent mycoplasma infections.

Instructions

• 1

  Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading mycoplasma infections, as with any respiratory disease. Throw the used tissue in a waste basket.

• 2

  Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with infected patients. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

• 3

  Stay home when you are ill and do not share drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels or other personal items.

• 4

  Treat Mycoplasma infections with azithromycin as a prophylaxis. Erythromycin or clarithromycin are also used as alternatives. Studies also have supported the use of tetracyclines as a preventative for mycoplasma infections. This use is discouraged in people who are not already infected. A previous infection does provide some immunity, but it is not permanent and secondary infections are usually milder. No certified vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is available.

• 5

  Use standard epidemic control measures to significantly reduce secondary attacks in closed populations. Abstinence may help control the spread of mycoplasma infections of the lower urogenital tract.