Sequence Type Changes Associated with Decreasing Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Japan.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant cause of respiratory infections worldwide.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of M. pneumoniae is crucial for disease control.
• Macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae poses a therapeutic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the temporal trends of Mycoplasma pneumoniae sequence types (STs) in Japan from 2002 to 2019.
• To investigate the association between specific STs and macrolide resistance patterns.
• To understand the impact of ST dynamics on M. pneumoniae epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of M. pneumoniae isolates collected in Japan between 2002 and 2019.
• Sequence typing of M. pneumoniae isolates to determine their sequence types (STs).
• Correlation analysis between ST prevalence and macrolide resistance data.

Main Results:

• Sequence types ST3 and ST14 were predominant from 2002 to 2016.
• Sequence types ST7 and ST33 became dominant from 2018 to 2019.
• The emergence of new dominant STs was associated with a decrease in macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains after the 2011-2012 epidemic.

Conclusions:

• The genetic landscape of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Japan has evolved, with distinct shifts in dominant sequence types.
• The observed changes in STs may influence the prevalence of macrolide resistance.
• Continued surveillance of M. pneumoniae STs is essential for monitoring antimicrobial resistance and guiding public health interventions.