What is the typical presentation of walking pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Walking pneumonia, primarily caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, typically presents with mild respiratory symptoms that can include a persistent dry cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue. One of the key characteristics of this form of pneumonia is that patients often have a normal white blood cell count, which is atypical compared to other forms of pneumonia where a significant increase in white blood cells is generally observed due to infection.

This particular pneumonia tends to be milder, allowing patients to retain their ability to engage in normal daily activities, which is why it is commonly referred to as "walking" pneumonia. The symptoms are usually non-specific and can easily be mistaken for a viral upper respiratory infection, contributing to the overall observation of mild symptoms.

In contrast, other types of pneumonia, such as those caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, typically show marked fever and productive cough, while more severe cases might present with intense chest pain and breathlessness, as well as systemic symptoms such as rash in certain infections. The context of Mycoplasma pneumoniae further solidifies the rationale for option B being the correct choice.