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Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in HIV-infected patients using a microparticle agglutination test
Esaki Muthu Shankar, Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy, Pachamuthu Balakrishnan
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 600 113, India.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is increasingly recognized as a common and important pathogen in community settings, and is responsible for various pulmonary and extrapulmonary conditions in the normal population. However, the seroepidemiology of acute M. pneumoniae infection in HIV-infected individuals is still unclear worldwide. This study examined the seroprevalence of antibodies to M. pneumoniae in HIV-infected patients admitted with respiratory complaints at a tertiary AIDS care centre in Chennai, India. A commercial gelatin microparticle agglutination test (Serodia-Myco II, Fujirebio) was used for the determination of antibodies against M. pneumoniae in acute serum specimens. Of the 200 HIV-infected patients with underlying pulmonary conditions tested, 34 (17 % positivity; 95 % CI 12-23 %) had antibodies specific to M. pneumoniae, while among the 40 patients with no underlying pulmonary symptoms, five (12.5 % positivity; 95 % CI 4-27 %) had evidence of anti-M. pneumoniae antibody. This shows that the incidence of M. pneumoniae seropositivity is greater in patients with underlying pulmonary complaints. Most positive titres were found in the age group 28-37 years in the symptomatic and symptom-free groups (64.7 and 60 %, respectively). The positive titres ranged from 40 to >20 480. High titres (> or =320) were found in 10 out of the 39 patients (25.6 %). This seroprevalence study reports a 16.2 % prevalence of M. pneumoniae infections in HIV-infected patients by a particle agglutination test.
Insights
This study found a 16.2% seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in HIV-infected patients in India. Higher rates were observed in those with pulmonary conditions, indicating a significant association.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
- Its seroepidemiology in HIV-infected individuals remains poorly understood globally.
- Understanding this is crucial for managing respiratory infections in immunocompromised populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in HIV-infected patients.
- To investigate the association between pulmonary conditions and M. pneumoniae seropositivity in this cohort.
- To identify demographic patterns of M. pneumoniae infection in HIV-positive individuals.
Main Methods:
- A seroprevalence study was conducted on 240 HIV-infected patients at a tertiary AIDS care center in Chennai, India.
- Antibodies against M. pneumoniae were detected using a commercial gelatin microparticle agglutination test (Serodia-Myco II).
- Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of underlying pulmonary conditions.
Main Results:
- Overall seroprevalence of M. pneumoniae antibodies was 16.2% (39/240).
- Patients with pulmonary conditions showed a higher seropositivity rate (17%) compared to those without (12.5%).
- The 28-37 age group had the highest prevalence, with high antibody titers observed in 25.6% of positive cases.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is prevalent in HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with pulmonary complaints.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering M. pneumoniae in the differential diagnosis of respiratory illnesses in HIV patients.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical impact and management strategies for M. pneumoniae in this vulnerable population.
