M. pneumoniae IgM

Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM

What's

M. pneumoniae IgM

Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM is a specific kind of antibody that your body creates when it's fighting an infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a tiny germ that can lead to respiratory infections, including a mild form of pneumonia called walking pneumonia. This germ is special because it doesn't have a cell wall like most bacteria, which makes it resistant to many usual antibiotics. The IgM antibodies are your body's first line of defense and usually show up within a week or two after the infection starts, acting as an early sign of your body's immune response. Detecting these antibodies in your blood can help figure out if you've recently had an infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

If Your Levels Are High

Having higher than normal levels of M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies might mean that your body is currently trying to fight off an infection caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae germ. This tiny germ is often linked to respiratory infections, including a milder type of pneumonia known as "walking pneumonia." When your body detects this germ, it produces IgM antibodies as an early defense, usually within the first couple of weeks. Sometimes, certain medications or immune system-related conditions can also cause an increase in these antibodies. So, high levels of M. pneumoniae IgM could be a sign of a recent infection, or possibly due to other factors affecting your immune system.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of M. pneumoniae IgM may include cough, fever, sore throat, and fatigue, which are common signs of a respiratory infection.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of M. pneumoniae IgM might mean that your body hasn't recently come across or fought off an infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a tiny germ often linked to respiratory infections like walking pneumonia. Not having these specific antibodies could suggest that your immune system hasn't needed to make them, possibly because you haven't been exposed to this germ lately. Some factors, like taking certain medications that suppress the immune system, could also affect the production of these antibodies. Additionally, health conditions that impact your immune system's ability to fight infections might play a role in the low levels.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of M. pneumoniae IgM are typically non-existent, as this simply reflects a lack of recent exposure to the bacterium.

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See References

Test for

Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgG/IgM by Access Med Labs

Serum

This test detects IgG and IgM antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It aids in the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia, a cause of community-acquired pneumonia.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgG/IgM by Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

This test detects IgG and IgM antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It aids in the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia, which is a cause of community-acquired pneumonia.

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