WHAT IS Mycoplasma Pneumonia?

[sf_mom]

Thanks that helps!!!! I'm definitely not a microbiologist. Ask me anything about construction... Architect by trade.

Edited April 25, 2010 by SF Mom

[sf_mom]

I guess what is tripping me up is I watched the video linked to this thread. Again, very interesting, not sure on the entire conspiracy theory. Phasmid, if you get time to watch video 'an hour'... I would like to know if the guy has the science part right. What he maps about about Golf War illnesses and mycoplasma's was very similar to what happen to our family. EVERYONE shared some type of illness although in our situation strep was the initial issue maybe possible co-infections.

 

-Wendy

Edited April 25, 2010 by SF Mom

[mom2gsd]

If you don't want to watch the video:

 

MYCOPLASMA

The Linking Pathogen in Neurosystemic Diseases

 

Link to article here.

[Chemar]

yikes bewell ...lol that long text makes me glaze over, but skimming it, and the video.....

 

I still do not see where there is any suggestion that the genus mycoplasma is the same as the genus mycobacterium

 

I am still finding that everywhere I look they are two distinctly different microorganisms

[sf_mom]

WOW! I will read it given more time. Thanks

[Phasmid]

As a biologist, a science-minded person, and also an ACN forum user with a child who MAY have a chronic infection with Mycoplasma, who is being treated as a PANDAS/PITAND case by one of the noted physicians, I must say that some of the text provided in the link given for reading includes information that is inaccurate. It is not worth my time to detail what parts are not accurate, but it is to the general benefit of all users of this forum that those who post materials which make claims should do so with extreme care and caution.

[sf_mom]

Thanks for your perspective. That was my concern.

 

Do you happen to understand the concept of SUPER ANTIGEN? Perhaps Buster? No worries in responding if its too complicated and time consuming to respond.

 

-Wendy

[mom2gsd]

yikes bewell ...lol that long text makes me glaze over, but skimming it, and the video.....

 

I still do not see where there is any suggestion that the genus mycoplasma is the same as the genus mycobacterium

 

I am still finding that everywhere I look they are two distinctly different microorganisms

 

Sorry about that, didn't realize how long the post was!

[sf_mom]

Superantigens (SAgs) are a class of antigens which cause non-specific activation of T-cells resulting in polyclonal T cell activation and massive cytokine release. SAgs can be produced by pathogenic microbes (including viruses, mycoplasma, and bacteria)[1] as a defense mechanism against the immune system.[2] Compared to a normal antigen-induced T-cell response where .001-.0001% of the body’s T-cells are activated, these SAgs are capable of activating up to 20% of the body’s T-cells.[3] Furthermore, Anti-CD3 and Anti-CD28 Antibodies (CD28-SuperMAB) have also shown to be highly potent superantigens (and can activate up to 100% of T cells).

 

The large number of activated T-cells generates a massive immune response which is not specific to any particular epitope on the SAg thus undermining one of the fundamental strengths of the adaptive immune system, that is, its ability to target antigens with high specificity. More importantly, the large number of activated T-cells secrete large amounts of cytokines (the most important of which is TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is particularly important as a part of the body's inflammatory response, and in normal circumstances (where it is released locally in low levels) helps the immune system defeat pathogens. However when it is systemically released in the blood and in high levels (due to mass T-cell activation resulting from the SAg binding), it can cause severe and life-threatening symptoms, including shock and multiple organ failure.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superantigen