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Published on: February 23, 2014

Frequency of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children

Mujgan Sidal1, Ayse Kilic, Emin Unuvar

  • 1Institute of Child Health, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. Sidalm@istanbul.edu.tr

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|May 23, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections in children, while Chlamydia pneumoniae is rare. Serology tests are more accurate than PCR for diagnosing M. pneumoniae infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are significant pathogens in pediatric acute respiratory infections.
  • Understanding their seasonal prevalence and coinfection patterns is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seasonal frequency of C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae infections in children aged 5-15.
  • To determine the frequency of coinfections and analyze the relationship between clinical findings and laboratory results.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 284 children with respiratory infections were tested for IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against C. pneumoniae using microimmunofluorescence (MIF).
  • M. pneumoniae IgM titers were analyzed via ELISA, and nasopharyngeal samples were tested using PCR.
  • Study period: January 2004 to June 2005.

Main Results:

  • M. pneumoniae IgM was detected in 30.2% of cases, while C. pneumoniae IgM, IgA, and IgG were found in 0.3%, 2.1%, and 3.5% respectively.
  • Coinfection with C. pneumoniae IgG and M. pneumoniae IgM occurred in 3.5% of patients.
  • M. pneumoniae IgM levels were significantly higher in winter; PCR detected M. pneumoniae in 16.2% of samples, with a 16.2% false positive rate.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a prevalent pathogen in pediatric respiratory infections.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae infections are infrequently observed in this age group.
  • Serological diagnostic tests for M. pneumoniae demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity compared to PCR.

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