Bronchiolitis Associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection in Infants in Foshan China: An Epidemiologic Study
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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Cheng Chen1, Chunwang Lin1, Xiangming Zhong2
1Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Shunde Women's and Children's Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China (mainland).
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Bronchiolitis is common in infants under 2 years of age. Most infections are caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but the importance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in the etiology of bronchiolitis is unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS We investigated the clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis caused by MP in 79 infants admitted to Shunde Women's and Children's Hospital of Guangdong Medical University and Sanshui Women's and Children's Healthcare Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. Infection with MP was confirmed by the presence of serum immunoglobulin M. RESULTS The peak detection rates of MP in the years 2016, 2017, and 2018 were 19.2%, 21.3%, and 24.0%, respectively. In each year, the peak of MP infections occurred during June and July. MP-associated bronchiolitis was mainly seen in infants from 6 to 12 months of age. Compared with RSV-associated bronchiolitis, the age of patients with bronchiolitis associated with MP was significantly older and they had a shorter hospital stay (all P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that MP is an important cause of bronchiolitis, with peaks of occurrence during June and July every year. Pulmonary interstitial infiltration was a characteristic of this infection. Azithromycin treatment can shorten the course of MP-associated bronchiolitis. Investigation of the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric MP-associated bronchiolitis can help diagnose and treat the disease correctly.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a significant cause of infant bronchiolitis, particularly in older infants (6-12 months). MP-associated bronchiolitis shows distinct patterns, including summer peaks and shorter hospital stays, with azithromycin aiding treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bronchiolitis is a common infant respiratory illness, frequently caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
- The role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in infant bronchiolitis etiology remains incompletely understood.
- Understanding MP's contribution is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of pediatric respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-associated bronchiolitis in infants.
- To determine the epidemiological patterns and seasonal occurrence of MP in pediatric bronchiolitis.
- To compare clinical features of MP-bronchiolitis with those of RSV-bronchiolitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 79 infants diagnosed with MP-bronchiolitis.
- Inclusion criteria: infants admitted to specific hospitals between 2016-2018.
- MP infection confirmed via serum immunoglobulin M detection.
Main Results:
- MP detection rates increased annually from 2016 to 2018 (19.2% to 24.0%).
- Peak MP infections occurred during June and July, primarily affecting infants aged 6-12 months.
- MP-associated bronchiolitis patients were older and had shorter hospital stays compared to RSV cases (P<0.01 or P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant etiological agent in infant bronchiolitis, with a distinct summer seasonality.
- Pulmonary interstitial infiltration is a characteristic finding in MP-associated bronchiolitis.
- Azithromycin treatment can effectively shorten the duration of MP-associated bronchiolitis, aiding clinical management.
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