Large-Scale Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection, Marseille, France, 2023-2024

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections.
• Outbreaks of M. pneumoniae can significantly impact community health, particularly in pediatric populations.
• Understanding the epidemiology of M. pneumoniae is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and characterize a large-scale outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infections in Marseille, France.
• To identify the primary demographic affected by the outbreak.
• To assess the prevalence of co-infections and inform diagnostic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of respiratory infection cases in Marseille from 2023-2024.
• Identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases through laboratory testing.
• Epidemiological data collection including patient demographics and co-infections.

Main Results:

• A total of 218 cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were identified, representing 0.8% of tested patients.
• The outbreak primarily affected children under 15 years of age.
• A high prevalence of co-infections was observed among the M. pneumoniae cases.

Conclusions:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is actively circulating and causing a significant outbreak in Marseille.
• Pediatric populations are disproportionately affected by this M. pneumoniae outbreak.
• The high rate of co-infections necessitates a syndromic diagnostic strategy for respiratory infections.