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Clinical manifestations in infants and children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Mia Johanna Søndergaard1, Martin Barfred Friis2, Dennis Schrøder Hansen2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.

Plos One
|April 27, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae caused pneumonia in children, with extra-pulmonary symptoms like nausea and skin issues being common. Early assessment of these symptoms aids diagnosis during epidemics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Respiratory medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children.
  • Pulmonary and extra-pulmonary symptoms are associated with M. pneumoniae infections.
  • M. pneumoniae exhibits epidemic patterns in Denmark, recurring every 4-7 years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively describe the epidemiology of M. pneumoniae infections in infants and children.
  • To detail the clinical features of M. pneumoniae during the 2010-2011 epidemic.
  • To analyze viral co-infections associated with M. pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

  • Inclusion of all children under 16 tested for M. pneumoniae between February 2010 and January 2012.
  • Review of medical charts and radiological findings for positive cases.
  • Post-hoc analysis of viral co-infections in a subset of the cohort.

Main Results:

  • 134 out of 746 children tested positive for M. pneumoniae.
  • M. pneumoniae was most prevalent in older children (65% in ≥7 years), less common in younger age groups (30% in 2-6 years, 4% in <2 years).
  • Viral co-infection occurred in 27% of cases. Common symptoms included cough, asthma-like symptoms, and low-grade fever. Extra-pulmonary symptoms (nausea/vomiting 33%, skin rash 25%) were frequent. Chest X-rays were positive in 94% of examined children.

Conclusions:

  • M. pneumoniae affects infants and young children, presenting with symptoms similar to viral infections, but can cause severe lower respiratory tract infections.
  • Recognizing extra-pulmonary manifestations is crucial for diagnosing M. pneumoniae, especially during epidemic periods.

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