Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay for the qualitative determination of IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in human serum or plasma (citrate, heparin). The mycoplasms belong to the class Mollicutes comprising three distinct families and four genera, one of which is Mycoplasma with over 60 species. Mycoplasmae are the smallest freeliving organisms known (300 to 500 nm in diameter) and unlike regular bacteria they lack a cell wall. Mycoplasms are extracellular parasites, especially on mucous membranes, which can cause infections in hu-mans, animals, plants, and cell cultures. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is primarily a respiratory pathogen (obligat) in humans involving the nasopharynx, throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Other Mycoplasmae, M. buccale, M. faucium, M. orale and M. salivarium are commensals in the oral cavity. Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum inhabit primarily the genital tract and may act as opportunistic invaders. M. pneumoniae is by far the most important pathogen of this group. Infection with M. pneumoniae occurs worldwide, its epidemiology has been studied primarily in the USA, Europe, and Japan. Infections are endemic in larger urban areas, and epidemic increases are observed at varying intervalls. Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been estimated to cause 15-20% of all pneumoniae; the rate is highest in children and young adults. 74% of infections with M. pneumoniae are asymptomatic, reinfection may occur. Naturally acquired immunity to infection with M. pneumoniae appears to be of limited duration (2-3 years).

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