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Nationwide surveillance of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in pediatric patients

Yasuhiro Kawai1, Naoyuki Miyashita, Mika Kubo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|May 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains are prevalent across Japan, with resistance increasing in children from 2008-2012. Regional differences in resistance correlated with prior macrolide antibiotic use.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections, particularly in children.
  • Macrolide antibiotics are a primary treatment for M. pneumoniae infections.
  • Increasing macrolide resistance (MR) poses a significant public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate regional variations in macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MR M. pneumoniae) strains across Japan.
  • To analyze the temporal trends of MR M. pneumoniae prevalence.
  • To explore the association between regional resistance patterns and macrolide administration.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide surveillance of M. pneumoniae strains was conducted.
  • Prevalence of macrolide resistance genes was assessed.
  • Data were collected from pediatric patients across seven surveillance areas in Japan.
  • Correlation analysis was performed between resistance levels and previous macrolide use.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of MR M. pneumoniae in pediatric patients showed a gradual increase from 2008 to 2012.
  • High levels of macrolide resistance genes were detected in all seven surveillance regions.
  • Prevalence rates of MR M. pneumoniae ranged from 50% to 93% across different regions.
  • Significant regional differences in resistance were observed and were closely linked to prior macrolide administration.

Conclusions:

  • Macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae is widespread throughout Japan.
  • The increasing prevalence of MR M. pneumoniae highlights the need for careful antibiotic stewardship.
  • Previous macrolide use is a key factor contributing to regional variations in resistance.

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