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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
[Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Poland in 2008-2013]
Introduction:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common causative agent of tracheobronchitis and atypical pneumonia, mainly in children and adolescents. The infections are often seen as epidemics occurring in autumn-winter seasons at intervals of 4-7 years. Epidemiological studies showed that M. pneumoniae is responsible for 30% to 40% of all cases of bacterial respiratory infections in Poland. The aim of the study was estimate the seroprevalence of M. pneumoniae in Poland in 2008-2013 in comparing to results obtained in other European countries.
Material And Methods:
The results of diagnostic serological tests (ELISA) in particular immunoglobulin classes for infection with M. pneumoniae performed in 16.825 persons were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were mostly children at the preschool and school age with clinical symptoms of respiratory tract infection. The data were obtained from Bacteriology Department of National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw and from 13 Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations through the country which send quarterly or monthly reports.
Results:
The serological results showed that in autumn-winter seasons of 2011-2012 the "early antibodies" (IgA and/or IgM) for M. pneumoniae were twice more often diagnosed in sera of patients with respiratory tract infection than in analogous seasons of 2008-2010. The antibodies were detected in 34% and 42% of patients, respectively in third quarter of 2011 and 2012.
Conclusions:
Epidemic increase of M. pneumoniae infections in Poland in autumn-winter seasons of 2011-2012 was mainly observed due to diagnosis of the IgA and/or IgM antibodies in serological tests.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections surged in Poland during 2011-2012, with early antibodies (IgA/IgM) doubling in respiratory patients. This study tracked seroprevalence from 2008-2013, confirming an epidemic increase.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Context:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of respiratory infections in children and adolescents.
- M. pneumoniae infections exhibit epidemic patterns, occurring every 4-7 years, primarily in autumn-winter.
- In Poland, M. pneumoniae accounts for 30-40% of bacterial respiratory infections.
Purpose:
- To estimate the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Poland between 2008 and 2013.
- To compare Polish seroprevalence data with that of other European countries.
- To identify trends in M. pneumoniae infections during epidemic and non-epidemic seasons.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of serological tests (ELISA) for M. pneumoniae infection was conducted on 16,825 individuals, primarily children with respiratory symptoms.
- Early antibodies (IgA and/or IgM) for M. pneumoniae were diagnosed twice as often in autumn-winter seasons of 2011-2012 compared to 2008-2010.
- Antibody detection rates reached 34% and 42% in the third quarters of 2011 and 2012, respectively, indicating a significant increase.
Impact:
- The study confirms an epidemic increase of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Poland during the 2011-2012 autumn-winter seasons.
- Findings highlight the importance of serological monitoring for tracking M. pneumoniae outbreaks.
- Results provide valuable data for public health strategies and resource allocation in managing pediatric respiratory infections.
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