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[Coinfection with chlamydia and mycoplasma. Incidence in our environment]
A Megías Montijano1, J A Gómez Campderá, M L Navarro Gómez
1Sección de Infectología Pediátrica. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Madrid. España.
Objectives:
To investigate the presence Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae and to determine their importance as the cause of community-acquired pneumonia in childhood.
Material And Methods:
We performed a retrospective descriptive study of all the patients aged less than 15 years old diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae in the pediatric emergency department of our hospital between May 1998 and May 2000. Patients in whom C. pneumoniae was also identified as a cause of pneumonia were investigated.
Results:
Of 242 cases of community-acquired pneumonia, 82 were due to M. pneumoniae (34.7 %) and 32 were due to C. pneumoniae (13.22 %) Of these, eight cases were coinfections with C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. Most infections occurred in boys (5/8). The mean age at diagnosis was 7.7 years. No seasonal predominance was found.
Conclusions:
Both C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae play a substantial role in community-acquired pneumonia in children aged more than 5 years old. Although coinfection with both species usually worsens the course of the disease, outcome in all the patients studied was satisfactory.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are significant causes of community-acquired pneumonia in children over five years old. Coinfection can worsen the illness, but outcomes remain positive.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Respiratory infections
- Microbiology
Context:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common childhood illness.
- Etiology of pediatric CAP requires ongoing investigation.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are potential pathogens.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae in childhood CAP.
- To assess the etiological significance of these pathogens in pediatric pneumonia.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 242 pediatric CAP cases (May 1998-May 2000).
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae caused 34.7% of cases, Chlamydia pneumoniae 13.22%.
- Eight cases (3.3%) involved coinfection; most occurred in boys aged 7.7 years on average.
Impact:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are important causes of CAP in children over five.
- Coinfection may lead to a more severe disease course.
- Overall patient outcomes were satisfactory despite potential coinfection.