Mycoplasma infection in children

One hundred and eleven children with Mycoplasma pneumonia infection were studied. Their mean age was 6.2 +/- 3.1 years. The two commonest symptoms were cough (98%) and fever (95%). Only 23% of children had cough of greater than one week's duration. Ninety one per cent had positive chest signs. Radiological abnormalities were seen in 95% of chest x-ray. Complications included dermatological (10%), pleural effusion (5%), neurological disorder (3%), septicaemia (1%), bronchiectasis (1%). Two children with Down's Syndrome died. A rare case of Mycoplasma bronchitis with Reye's Syndrome was observed.