Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are two bacterial species that can cause a wide range of illnesses, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections. Although they are both Gram-positive bacteria, they differ in many important aspects.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a small, pleomorphic, non-motile, and non-spore forming bacteria. It is an obligate aerobe and requires a host cell to replicate. It is the most common cause of atypical pneumonia, and is often spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth. Symptoms of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae include fever, sore throat, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
In contrast, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive, non-motile, and spore-forming bacteria. It is an obligate aerobe that does not require a host cell to replicate. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, and is spread through direct contact with droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth. Symptoms of infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae include fever, chills, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are both serious infections, and can be treated with antibiotics. However, the most effective treatment for each species may vary. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is typically treated with macrolide antibiotics, while Streptococcus pneumoniae is usually treated with penicillin or a related antibiotic.