Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
06:04

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Published on: February 24, 2023

2.9K

Kawasaki disease associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Yunjia Tang1, Wenhua Yan1, Ling Sun1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 10, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections are present in 13.8% of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients, often affecting older children with respiratory issues. This study found no link between MP infection and non-response or coronary artery lesions in KD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, with an unknown etiology.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a suspected, but not fully recognized, causative agent of KD.
  • Understanding potential infectious triggers like MP is crucial for KD management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD).
  • To determine if MP infection is associated with specific clinical presentations, laboratory findings, or outcomes in KD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective analysis of clinical records for 450 KD patients hospitalized between 2012 and 2014.
  • Retrospective identification of patients with lower respiratory tract infections (non-KD group) for comparison.
  • Evaluation of MP positivity, patient demographics, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), and clinical outcomes (response to treatment, coronary artery lesions).

Main Results:

  • MP infection was detected in 13.8% (62/450) of KD patients.
  • MP-positive KD patients were significantly older and exhibited higher rates of respiratory disorders compared to MP-negative KD patients.
  • No significant differences were observed in treatment non-response or coronary artery lesion development between MP-positive and MP-negative KD groups.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections are identified in a notable proportion of Kawasaki disease (KD) cases.
  • MP infection in KD is associated with older age and increased respiratory involvement.
  • MP infection does not appear to influence treatment responsiveness or the risk of coronary artery lesions in KD patients.
Keywords:
ChildrenKawasaki diseaseMycoplasma pneumoniae

More Related Videos

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

9.6K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
3.8K
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
535
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
1.9K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.2K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.3K
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
742