Is mycoplasma pneumonia contagious?

Sep 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

In general, mycoplasma pneumonia is contagious and primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. However, its transmissibility is weaker compared to diseases such as influenza. Practicing proper protective measures in daily life can reduce the risk of infection. To prevent mycoplasma pneumonia, it is important to wash hands frequently and maintain hand hygiene; wear masks properly when going out and take precautions to protect the respiratory tract.

Generally, mycoplasma pneumonia is contagious and mainly spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. However, its transmissibility is weaker compared to diseases like influenza. Practicing proper daily precautions can reduce the risk of infection. The details are as follows:

Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by infection with *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, which can exist in the respiratory secretions of infected individuals. When patients cough, sneeze, or talk, they release droplets containing the pathogen. Healthy individuals may become infected by inhaling these droplets. Additionally, indirect transmission can occur when a person touches objects contaminated with the patient's secretions and then touches their mouth or nose. However, this disease is not a highly virulent infectious illness; most healthy adults have strong resistance and are less likely to be infected. Children, adolescents, and individuals with weakened immune systems—such as the elderly or those with chronic underlying medical conditions—are at relatively higher risk of contracting *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*.

In daily life, prevention of mycoplasma pneumonia includes frequent handwashing to maintain hand hygiene; wearing masks properly when outdoors to protect the respiratory tract; regularly opening windows for ventilation indoors to ensure adequate air circulation; and engaging in regular physical exercise to strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of infection.

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What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Under normal circumstances, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a microorganism that lies between bacteria and viruses. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a small microorganism that exists between ciliated epithelial cells. It adheres to the surface of host respiratory epithelial cells through neuraminic acid receptor sites on the cell membrane, inhibiting ciliary activity and damaging epithelial cells. It is generally recommended to maintain good indoor air circulation and keep warm.

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Can Mycoplasma pneumonia cause white lung?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae may lead to white lung. In some special cases, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection might cause severe pulmonary lesions, resulting in white lung. If Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is not timely controlled, the inflammation may continue to worsen, with large amounts of inflammatory exudates accumulating in the alveoli and pulmonary interstitium. When the exudates reach a certain level, the lungs may exhibit white areas on imaging studies.