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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

The change of asthma-associated immunological parameters in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Lan Fang Tang1, Yi Chen Shi, Ying Chun Xu

  • 1Department of Pulmonology, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. tlf119100@sina.com.cn

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|April 18, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is linked to asthma mechanisms, particularly in older children. This study found elevated immunoglobulin levels and specific immune cell changes in children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia, suggesting a role in asthma development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an increasingly recognized atypical pathogen.
  • Previous research suggests M. pneumoniae infection may influence asthma mechanisms.
  • Direct evidence from patient airways regarding M. pneumoniae and asthma is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of M. pneumoniae infection in asthma.
  • To measure immunological parameters in pediatric patients with mycoplasma pneumonia.
  • To compare peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) data.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 30 patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia and 37 controls.
  • Analysis of peripheral blood cell counts and immunoglobulins (Ig).
  • Examination of BALF cell counts and other clinical/laboratory data.

Main Results:

  • M. pneumoniae group showed higher basophil counts and elevated serum IgA, IgM, and IgG.
  • Eosinophil percentage in BALF was significantly higher in M. pneumoniae patients (0-10%) vs. controls (0-4%).
  • BALF eosinophils correlated positively with age, peripheral eosinophils, and BALF lymphocytes, and negatively with total peripheral white blood cells.

Conclusions:

  • M. pneumoniae infection is associated with asthma mechanisms.
  • The findings suggest a particular link in older children.
  • Immunological changes observed support a role in pediatric asthma.

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