Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
06:04

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Published on: February 24, 2023

Unusual complication of Mycoplasma pneumonia in a five-year-old child

Pratap Kumar Patra1, Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI), Pondicherry, India.

The Australasian Medical Journal
|March 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae typically causes mild pneumonia in children. However, this case highlights a rare complication of massive pleural effusion and empyema, emphasizing the need for consideration in persistent pediatric pneumonia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children.
  • Typically, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections present with mild symptoms and few pulmonary complications.

Observation:

  • A five-year-old child presented with symptoms suggestive of pneumonia.
  • The child developed a massive pleural effusion and empyema.

Findings:

  • The pleural effusion and empyema were secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • This represents a rare but severe pulmonary complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a potential cause of severe pleural complications in children.
  • Delayed resolution of pneumonia symptoms in pediatric patients warrants investigation for rare complications like empyema.
Keywords:
EmpyemaMycoplasma pneumoniaePleural Effusion

Related Concept Videos

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...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...