Inflammatory Damage

• Animal studies have shown that the amount (TNF-a), IL-1B, IL-6 increased during an M. pneumoniae infection. 

• M. pneumoniae activates IL-1B, leading to tissue destruction and swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in tissues (edema). 

• Serum levels of IL-2 receptors have been found to be an important measure of the severity of an illness. It has also been found that children infected with M. pneumoniae have high levels of the IL2 receptor, which can activate mononuclear cells and is associated with impaired T lymphocytes.