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Prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among HIV infected children

Shobha D Nadagir1, Abdul Kaleem Bahadur, Tipperudra Anantappa Shepur

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka, India. shobadnadgir@yahoo.co.in

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|December 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection affects 32.2% of HIV-infected children with respiratory symptoms. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent CD4 cell depletion and AIDS progression in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • HIV/AIDS Research
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • HIV infection in children increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Respiratory tract infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in HIV-infected children.
  • To correlate hematological and radiological findings with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective hospital-based study of 90 HIV-seropositive children with acute pulmonary symptoms.
  • Detection of IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae using IgM ELISA.
  • Correlation with complete hemogram, liver function tests, CD4 counts, and radiological examinations.

Main Results:

  • Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was 32.2% (29/90 children).
  • Common radiological findings included basal pneumonitis (37.4%) and hilar lymphadenopathy (23.8%).
  • Anemia (93%), elevated AST levels (58.6%), and immunosuppression (62% with mean CD4% of 13.9±6.4%) were prevalent in infected children.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is highly prevalent in HIV-infected children with respiratory tract infections.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae can potentially slow CD4 cell depletion and impede AIDS progression.
Abstract

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