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Epidemic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Denmark, 2010 and 2011

S A Uldum1, J M Bangsborg, B Gahrn-Hansen

  • 1Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. su@ssi.dk

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|February 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Denmark saw two large Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection waves in 2010 and 2011. Despite high macrolide antibiotic use, Mycoplasma pneumoniae resistance remained low.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections.
  • Understanding infection dynamics and antimicrobial resistance is crucial for public health.
  • Denmark experienced significant Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreaks in 2010 and 2011.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of two Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection waves in Denmark.
  • To investigate the relationship between macrolide consumption and macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae during these outbreaks.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of national surveillance data for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
  • Monitoring of macrolide consumption and macrolide resistance levels in M. pneumoniae isolates.
  • Comparison of infection wave size and resistance trends.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct nationwide waves of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection occurred in autumn 2010 and early winter 2011.
  • The proportion of positive results was similar for both waves, suggesting comparable sizes.
  • Macrolide consumption increased during the epidemics, but macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae remained consistently low (1% to 3%).

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreaks can occur as distinct waves affecting entire countries.
  • High macrolide consumption during M. pneumoniae epidemics did not lead to increased resistance in Denmark.
  • Sustained low levels of macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae are a key finding in Denmark.

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