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Published on: February 24, 2023

Cluster of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Illinois in 2012

Victoria Tsai1, Bernard B Pritzker, Maureen H Diaz

  • 1Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a growing global concern. This report details a rare cluster of resistant infections in a mother and her two daughters in the United States.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant and increasing global health issue.
  • Documented cases of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the United States are scarce.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections.

Observation:

  • A cluster of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections was identified within a single family.
  • All identified cases exhibited resistance to macrolide antibiotics.
  • The affected individuals included a mother and her two daughters.

Findings:

  • This case series highlights the presence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the United States.
  • The findings suggest potential for community or household transmission of resistant strains.
  • Genetic or epidemiological investigation may be warranted to understand transmission dynamics.

Implications:

  • This documentation is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in the US.
  • Clinicians should consider macrolide resistance when treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
  • Enhanced surveillance for resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae is recommended in the United States.

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