Sketchy Micro: Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

Question 1

Why don’t Mycoplasma Gram stain?

Answer 1

They lack cell walls (just like how this scene takes place outside, with no walls enclosing the frozen lake).

Question 2

Mycoplasma are the only bacteria with ____________ in their cell membranes.

Answer 2

cholesterol

Think of the six-sided outlines in the hockey net.

Question 3

Why are the atypical pneumonias (Legionella, Mycoplasma, Chlomydophila, and Influenza) called “walking” pneumonias?

Answer 3

X-rays of someone with atypical pneumonia might show prominent infiltrate even when the person is not that sick (e.g., they could be walking around), whereas in Streptococcal or Haemophilus pneumonia the person will likely be bed-bound.

Question 4

In this scene, why is the sky so menacing?

Answer 4

It is meant to contrast with how healthy and active the players are, just like how x-rays look really bad in walking pneumonia even when patients aren’t terribly ill.

Question 5

What demographic is most affected by walking pneumonia?

Answer 5

Young adults in close quarters (like the young adults playing hockey and the goalie with the camo to represent military recruits in close contact)

Question 6

What tests can be used to diagnose Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Answer 6

Culturing can take up to one week, so it is not often done. Instead, the cold-agglutination test can help diagnosis. In this test, RBCs and patient serum are cooled to 4º C; a positive test shows RBC agglutination.

(Think of the RBC-shaped hockey pucks agglutinating together with snowflakes.)

Question 7

Although culturing takes too long to be clinically useful, what culture media is needed for Mycoplasma?

Answer 7

Eaton agar (like the sign that says “don’t EAT ON the ice”)

Question 8

Which antibiotics can treat Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Answer 8

Macrolides (like the crows on the goal)