A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM)
Test CodeAlias/See Also
CPT Codes
86738 (x2)
Preferred Specimen
Minimum Volume
Transport Container
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Limitations
Reference Range
≤0.90 | Negative |
0.91-1.09 | Equivocal |
≥1.10 | Positive |
M. pneumoniae Ab (IgM)
Negative | <770 U/mL |
Low positive | 770-950 U/mL |
Positive | >950 U/mL |
Clinical Significance
This test helps detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia are common reasons for testing for M pneumoniae, especially in children [3,4].
Clinical presentations of M pneumoniae infection are generally mild, but can vary widely across individuals, and are most often characterized by tracheobronchitis with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Approximately one-third of people with M pneumoniae infection develop pneumonia that was previously considered "atypical." Extrapulmonary complications may include encephalitis, hemolytic anemia, renal dysfunction, gastrointestinal complaints, erythema multiforme, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome [1,2].
M pneumoniae infection is diagnosed by culture, serology, or nucleic acid amplification tests. Serologic tests may be useful when the possibility of Mycoplasma infection is high. A positive IgG result indicates previous or recent infection. Testing children who have suspected community-acquired pneumonia for M pneumoniae may help guide antibiotic selection [3,4].
Clinical false-negative results for IgG- and IgM-based serologic tests can occur due to compromised immunity, testing before an antibody response has started, or the presence of interfering substances in host serum.
Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for M pneumoniae DNA is more sensitive than serology testing and can provide timely results to inform patient management [2]. IgA antibodies to M pneumoniae appear early; testing IgA antibodies may aid in identifying acute infection [1].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical history and physical examination findings.
References
1. Waites KB, et al. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. In: Carroll KC, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019. https://www.clinmicronow.org/doi/book/10.1128/9781683670438.MCM.ch64
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections. Last reviewed June 5, 2020. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/hcp/index.html
3. Miller JM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2018;67(6):813-816.
4. Bradley JS, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;53(7):617-630.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
33608 Ortega Highway |
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |