Best test for mycoplasma infection is?
Acute M. pneumoniae infection can be diagnosed by PCR detection of the organism in respiratory tract secretions. Oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and pulmonary specimens are all acceptable for diagnosing M. pneumoniae pneumonia. M. pneumoniae culture requiring special media is not recommended for routine diagnosis because the organism may take weeks to grow and is often difficult to isolate from clinical specimens. In contrast, PCR allows rapid, specific diagnosis earlier in the course of clinical illness.
PCR of respiratory secretions
Gram stain of transtracheal aspirate
Culture of transtracheal aspirate
CXR
Bacterial infection