Mycoplasma
Pathogen
Mycoplasma species
Carried by
Considered a common Lyme coinfection by many clinicians
Mycoplasma is a tiny bacterium that lacks a cell wall, which lets it evade some antibiotics and the immune system. In the Lyme-literate world it is frequently described as one of the most common coinfections found alongside Lyme, contributing to fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive symptoms. (Mainstream medicine primarily associates Mycoplasma with respiratory infection and does not classify it as a tick-borne disease — a distinction worth knowing as you research.)
Many in the Lyme community consider Mycoplasma a near-universal travel companion of chronic Lyme. If your recovery has plateaued, it's a reasonable coinfection to explore with a knowledgeable clinician.
Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
- Brain fog and cognitive difficulty
- Respiratory symptoms
- Symptom flares that overlap with Lyme
Testing
Antibody testing and PCR are used, though sensitivity varies. Many Lyme-literate clinicians treat based on clinical picture and response as much as on labs.
Labs often used in the Lyme community:
See our Testing Guide to understand your options.
Geography
Mycoplasma species are found nationwide and are not geographically restricted the way tick vectors are.
Explore the Where Ticks Live map to see what's carried in your region.
Treatment overview
Because Mycoplasma has no cell wall, cell-wall-targeting antibiotics don't work; clinicians typically use macrolides, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones, often over an extended course.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mycoplasma officially a tick-borne disease?
Not by mainstream definitions — public health agencies primarily associate it with respiratory transmission. However, many Lyme-literate clinicians report finding it frequently in chronic Lyme patients and treat it as a coinfection. We present it here because it's an important part of the coinfection conversation in the Lyme community.