Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
No detection of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae from Swedish patients, 1996-2013
Karolina Gullsby1,2, Kåre Bondeson3
1Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University/Region Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden.
Background:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections which can cause life-threatening pneumonia and serious extrapulmonary manifestations. Since the year 2000, the emergence of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains has increased with varying incidences across countries. In China more than 90% of the strains are resistant. M. pneumoniae diagnostics is mostly done with molecular methods, and in Sweden antibiotic resistance surveillance is not routinely performed. The prevalence of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae has not previously been studied in Sweden.
Material And Methods:
A total of 563 M. pneumoniae-positive respiratory samples, collected from four counties in Sweden between 1996 and 2013, were screened for mutations associated with macrolide resistance using a duplex FRET real-time PCR method. The real-time PCR targets the 23S rRNA gene, and differentiation between wild-type and resistant strains was achieved with a melting curve analysis.
Results:
Of the 563 samples included, 548 were analyzed for mutations associated with macrolide resistance. No mutations were found. The detection rate of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae in this study was 0% [0.00-0.84%].
Conclusion:
No macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae has been detected in Sweden. However, the emergence and spread of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains in many countries commands continuous epidemiological surveillance.
Insights
No macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected in Sweden between 1996-2013. This study highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of antibiotic resistance in M. pneumoniae strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
- Macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains have emerged globally since 2000, with over 90% resistance in China.
- Antibiotic resistance surveillance for M. pneumoniae is not routine in Sweden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Sweden.
- To screen Swedish M. pneumoniae isolates for mutations conferring macrolide resistance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 563 M. pneumoniae-positive respiratory samples from Sweden (1996-2013).
- Screening for macrolide resistance mutations using duplex FRET real-time PCR targeting the 23S rRNA gene.
- Differentiation of wild-type and resistant strains via melting curve analysis.
Main Results:
- A total of 548 samples were analyzed for macrolide resistance mutations.
- No mutations associated with macrolide resistance were identified.
- The detection rate of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae in Sweden was 0% (95% CI: 0.00-0.84%).
Conclusions:
- Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae was not detected in the studied Swedish population.
- Continuous epidemiological surveillance is crucial due to the global rise of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance