Macrolide resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, South Korea, 2000-2011

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections, particularly in children.
• Macrolide antibiotics are a primary treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
• Emergence of antibiotic resistance can compromise treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and trends of 23S rRNA gene mutations associated with macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Korea.
• To assess the correlation between these mutations and macrolide resistance.
• To understand the implications for clinical management of pediatric mycoplasma pneumonia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of respiratory specimens collected from 2000-2011 in Korea.
• Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae using molecular methods.
• Genotyping of 23S rRNA gene for mutation analysis.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for macrolides.

Main Results:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected in 255 out of 2,089 respiratory specimens.
• Eighty isolates harbored 23S rRNA gene mutations conferring macrolide resistance.
• Sixty-nine of 123 culture-positive samples with the mutation exhibited resistance to five macrolides.
• A significant increase in the prevalence of these mutations was observed during the study period.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, driven by 23S rRNA gene mutations, has substantially increased in Korea.
• These findings highlight a growing challenge in treating pediatric mycoplasma pneumonia effectively.
• Surveillance and updated treatment guidelines are crucial to address the rising antibiotic resistance.