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Bronchiolitis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in infants in Suzhou China between 2010 and 2012
Yuqing Wang1, Chuangli Hao1, Wei Ji1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Children's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215003, China.
Abstract:
Viruses cause most cases of bronchiolitis in infants; consequently the importance of other agents such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in the etiology of bronchiolitis may not be fully recognized. We investigated the prevalence and seasonal distribution of bronchiolitis caused by MP in 674 children admitted to the Children's Hospital affiliated with Soochow University from January 2010 to December 2012. The presence of MP was confirmed by real-time PCR. During the 3 years, we identified MP in 17.2% of the children with bronchiolitis. The annual MP detection rates were 16.6% in 2010, 17.8% in 2011, and 17.2% in 2012. MP was detected throughout the year, with a peak from July to September. The median age of MP-positive children was 10 months. Common clinical manifestations included cough, wheezing, and high fever. Moist and/or wheezing rales were frequent, and pulmonary interstitial infiltration was seen in 66.4% of chest X-rays. Patients with MP infection were older, were more likely to have pulmonary interstitial infiltration, and had shorter hospital stays than those with respiratory syncytial virus infection. Our study revealed MP as an important cause of bronchiolitis, with peaks of occurrence during the summer and early autumn. Pulmonary interstitial infiltrations were a common event.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is an important cause of infant bronchiolitis, often occurring in summer and early autumn. This pathogen was detected in 17.2% of hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchiolitis in infants is primarily attributed to viral infections.
- The role of atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in infant bronchiolitis may be underestimated.
- Understanding MP's prevalence is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of infant respiratory illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and seasonal distribution of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in hospitalized infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis.
- To describe the clinical manifestations and radiological findings associated with MP-induced bronchiolitis.
- To compare clinical features and outcomes of MP-positive bronchiolitis with those caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Main Methods:
- A 3-year retrospective study (2010-2012) involving 674 infants admitted with bronchiolitis.
- Real-time PCR was used to detect the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patient samples.
- Clinical data, including symptoms, physical examination findings, and chest X-ray results, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected in 17.2% of infants with bronchiolitis.
- MP was present year-round, with a peak incidence during summer and early autumn (July-September).
- MP-positive patients were older (median age 10 months), frequently presented with cough, wheezing, high fever, and showed pulmonary interstitial infiltration on chest X-rays (66.4%).
- MP infections were associated with higher rates of pulmonary interstitial infiltration and shorter hospital stays compared to RSV infections.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant etiological agent in infant bronchiolitis, particularly during warmer months.
- Pulmonary interstitial infiltration is a common radiographic finding in infants with MP-induced bronchiolitis.
- MP-positive bronchiolitis exhibits distinct clinical and radiological features compared to RSV, necessitating consideration in differential diagnosis.