Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM ELISA The Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM ELISA is intended for the qualitative  determination of IgM class 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 Mycoplasmawith over 60 species. Mycoplasmae are the smallest freeliving organisms known (300 to 500 nm in diameter) and unlike regularbacteria they lack a cell wall. Mycoplasms are extracellular parasites, especially on mucous membranes, which can causeinfections in hu-mans, animals, plants, and cell cultures. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is primarily a respiratory pathogen (obligat) inhumans 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 inhabitprimarily the genital tract and may act as opportunistic invaders. M. pneumoniae is by far the most important pathogen of thisgroup. Infection with M. pneumoniae occurs worldwide, its epidemiology has been studied primarily in the USA, Europe, andJapan. Infections are endemic in larger urban areas, and epidemic increases are observed at varying intervalls. Mycoplasmapneumoniae has been estimated to cause 15-20% of all pneumoniae; the rate is highest in children and young adults. 74% ofinfections 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).