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Updated: May 24, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
[Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae]
Miyuki Morozumi1, Kimiko Ubukata
1Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology for Infectious Agents, Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pn) is one of the main pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. In Japan, macrolide (ML)-resistant M. pn was firstly isolated from clinical samples collected from pediatric patients with CAP in 2000, and the agents have rapidly increased. All ML-resistant strains had a point mutation in domain V of the 23S rRNA. Among the patients with ML-resistant M. pn, the duration of fever was significantly longer than in patients with ML-susceptible M. pn infection. The antimicrobial agent was often changed from ML as a first choice agent to minocycline or levofloxacin, because of unimproved clinical symptoms. Further clinical studies are needed to establish appropriate chemotherapy.
Insights
Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes prolonged fever in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This resistance, linked to a specific gene mutation, necessitates alternative antibiotic treatments beyond macrolides.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
Context:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a primary cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children.
- Macrolide-resistant M. pn emerged in Japan in 2000 and has since increased.
- ML resistance in M. pn is associated with a point mutation in domain V of the 23S rRNA gene.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical implications of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in pediatric CAP.
- To highlight the challenges in treating M. pn infections due to emerging antimicrobial resistance.
Summary:
- Macrolide-resistant M. pn strains, identified by a specific rRNA mutation, are increasingly prevalent in pediatric CAP cases.
- Patients with ML-resistant M. pn experienced significantly longer fever duration compared to those with susceptible strains.
- Treatment often required switching from macrolides to alternative antibiotics like minocycline or levofloxacin due to persistent symptoms.
Impact:
- The study underscores the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in pediatric respiratory infections.
- Findings indicate a need for updated treatment guidelines and further research into effective chemotherapy for resistant M. pn infections.
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