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Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Epidemiology in England and Wales: A National Perspective
Rebecca J Brown1, Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo2, Hongxin Zhao3
1Public Health EnglandLondon, UK; Department of Child Health, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff University School of MedicineCardiff, UK.
Abstract:
Investigations of patients with suspected Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection have been undertaken in England since the early 1970s. M. pneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen that is a common cause of pneumonia and may cause serious sequelae such as encephalitis and has been documented in children with persistent cough. The pathogen is found in all age groups, with higher prevalence in children aged 5-14 years. In England, recurrent epidemic periods have occurred at ~4-yearly intervals. In addition, low-level sporadic infection occurs with seasonal peaks from December to February. Voluntarily reports from regional laboratories and hospitals in England from 1975 to 2015 were collated by Public Health England for epidemiological analysis. Further data pertaining cases of note and specimens submitted to Public Health England from 2005 to 2015 for confirmation, molecular typing is included.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen, causes pneumonia and severe complications like encephalitis, particularly in children. England has observed ~4-yearly epidemic cycles and winter seasonal peaks since the 1970s.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant respiratory pathogen causing pneumonia and potential sequelae like encephalitis.
- Prevalence is highest in children aged 5-14 years.
- England has documented recurrent epidemic periods approximately every 4 years, alongside seasonal peaks in winter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze epidemiological trends of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in England.
- To review data from 1975 to 2015, including laboratory reports and hospital submissions.
- To incorporate molecular typing data for cases from 2005 to 2015.
Main Methods:
- Collated voluntary reports from regional laboratories and hospitals across England.
- Utilized data from 1975 to 2015 for epidemiological analysis.
- Included case data and specimen submissions to Public Health England from 2005 to 2015.
Main Results:
- Confirmed recurrent epidemic periods of M. pneumoniae infection in England at approximately 4-year intervals.
- Identified seasonal peaks of infection occurring from December to February.
- Documented the pathogen's presence across all age groups, with a notable higher prevalence in children aged 5-14.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae exhibits distinct epidemic and seasonal patterns in England.
- The pathogen remains a significant public health concern, particularly for pediatric populations.
- Long-term surveillance provides valuable insights into infection dynamics and epidemiology.
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