Related Experiment Videos

Association of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and asthma among Indian children

Avanish K Varshney1, Rama Chaudhry, Sunil Saharan

  • 1Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
|February 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is linked to asthma flare-ups in children. This study found significant evidence of M. pneumoniae infection in children experiencing acute asthma exacerbations, suggesting a causal role.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is a known trigger for asthma exacerbations.
  • Understanding the specific role of M. pneumoniae in childhood asthma is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and acute asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the diagnostic utility of serological and molecular methods in identifying M. pneumoniae in this context.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against M. pneumoniae.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the P1 gene was performed to detect M. pneumoniae DNA.
  • A cohort of 150 children with asthma was compared to a control group of 33 children.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant higher prevalence of M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies was observed in children with asthma compared to controls (P=0.002).
  • PCR detected M. pneumoniae in 15 children with asthma, while no controls were positive.
  • M. pneumoniae infection showed a significant association with acute exacerbation in the moderate asthma group via PCR (P=0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is significantly associated with acute asthma exacerbations in children.
  • Diagnostic methods like ELISA and PCR can effectively identify M. pneumoniae in pediatric asthma patients.
  • These findings support the role of M. pneumoniae as a contributing factor to asthma exacerbations.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include: