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Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children with acute respiratory infection

Vijaya D Shenoy1, Santosh A Upadhyaya, Sugandhi P Rao

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. vijaypaed@yahoo.com

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|June 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections were detected in 23.96% of pediatric inpatients with respiratory symptoms. Children aged 2-10 years showed the highest infection rates, often presenting with upper respiratory symptoms and cervical lymphadenopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections in children.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in hospitalized children with respiratory symptoms.
  • To identify the clinical characteristics and age distribution of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 93 pediatric inpatients with respiratory symptoms.
  • Age-matched controls without respiratory illness were included.
  • Detection of IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae using ELISA.

Main Results:

  • 23.96% of inpatients tested positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibodies.
  • The highest infection rates were observed in the 2-5 and 5-10 year age groups.
  • Common presentation included upper respiratory symptoms and cervical lymphadenopathy; bronchial breathing was less frequent in positive cases.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant pathogen in pediatric respiratory infections.
  • Early identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is important for this age group.
  • Clinical presentation may vary, with less consolidation in Mycoplasma-positive patients.

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