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Updated: May 2, 2026
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Molecular characterizations of PCR-positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae specimens collected from Australia and China
Guanhua Xue1, Qinning Wang, Chao Yan
1Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In this study, M. pneumoniae strains in PCR-positive specimens collected from patients in Sydney, Australia (30 samples), and Beijing, China (83 samples), were characterized using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA), P1-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, and sequencing of domain V of the 23S rRNA gene to compare genotype distribution and macrolide resistance rates between locations. Eighteen distinct MLVA types were identified in specimens from Sydney, of which 10 were known (types E, G, J, M, N, P, U, V, S, and X) and 8 previously unknown. Strains were equally distributed between P1-RFLP type 1 and type 2 variants. Among samples from Beijing, MLVA types E, G, J, P, U, X, and Z and four new types were identified. Most specimens belonged to P1-RFLP type 1. A nomenclature based on five VNTR loci is proposed to designate MLVA patterns. Macrolide resistance-associated mutations were identified in only 1 of 30 specimens (3.3%) from Sydney and 71 of 83 (85.5%) from Beijing (P<0.05). This study demonstrated that although multiple individual M. pneumoniae strains were circulating in Beijing, the genotypes were less diverse than those in Sydney. However, the greatest regional difference was in the incidence of macrolide resistance, which may reflect differences in antibiotic use and/or measures in resistance control.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains from Sydney and Beijing show distinct genetic diversity and macrolide resistance patterns. Beijing strains exhibit high macrolide resistance (85.5%) compared to Sydney (3.3%), highlighting regional differences in antibiotic use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant pathogen causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- Understanding the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of M. pneumoniae is crucial for effective treatment and control strategies.
- Regional variations in circulating strains and resistance mechanisms can impact public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the genetic profiles and macrolide resistance rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains from Sydney, Australia, and Beijing, China.
- To characterize M. pneumoniae genotypes using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (MLVA) analysis, P1-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and 23S rRNA gene sequencing.
- To investigate potential correlations between genotype distribution and macrolide resistance between the two geographic locations.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (MLVA) analysis was performed on M. pneumoniae isolates.
- P1-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to differentiate strains.
- Sequencing of domain V of the 23S rRNA gene identified macrolide resistance-associated mutations.
Main Results:
- Eighteen distinct MLVA types were identified in Sydney, with 10 known and 8 novel types.
- Most Sydney strains were equally distributed between P1-RFLP type 1 and type 2.
- In Beijing, MLVA revealed 7 known and 4 novel types, with most strains belonging to P1-RFLP type 1.
- Macrolide resistance mutations were found in 3.3% of Sydney strains versus 85.5% of Beijing strains (P<0.05).
- Beijing strains showed less genotypic diversity compared to Sydney strains.
Conclusions:
- Significant regional differences exist in Mycoplasma pneumoniae genotypes and macrolide resistance.
- The high prevalence of macrolide resistance in Beijing strains suggests potential links to antibiotic usage patterns.
- Further research into antibiotic stewardship and resistance monitoring is warranted to address M. pneumoniae infections effectively.
