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Characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Romanian Children
Alexandru Ioan Ulmeanu1,2, Georgiana-Eugenia Ciuparu2, Elena Roxana Matran1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania.
Background/Objectives:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), traditionally associated with mild community-acquired pneumonia in school-aged children, has experienced a delayed resurgence following the COVID-19 pandemic. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in children within the context of this global resurgence have not been well established in Romania.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective, single-center study analyzed children diagnosed with M. pneumoniae pneumonia who were hospitalized in the pulmonology department of "Grigore Alexandrescu" Emergency Hospital for Children in Bucharest from March to December 2024. Clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data were extracted from hospital records. M. pneumoniae infection was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex panel detection or specific IgM antibody levels ≥ 10 AU/mL.
Results:
The final analysis included 63 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The cohort's median age [IQR] was 12.6 [8-15] years, with 11.1% (n = 7) under 6 years old. The radiographic findings revealed a predominance of right lung involvement (52.4%, n = 33, p = 0.03) and a significantly higher prevalence of alveolar infiltrates compared to interstitial patterns (88.9%, n = 56, p < 0.001). Antibiotic choice did not significantly affect hospitalization duration. Pleural effusion emerged as a common complication, occurring in 27% (n = 17) of patients and associated with elevated admission leukocyte counts (p = 0.007). Rare extrapulmonary manifestations included meningoencephalitis (1.6%, n = 1) and reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (3.2%, n = 2). Notably, co-infections with other respiratory pathogens did not extend hospital stays.
Conclusions:
This study contributes to the evolving global epidemiological profile of M. pneumoniae infections in the post-pandemic era. It establishes a foundation for future multi-center analyses aimed at monitoring the changing epidemiology and clinical presentations of M. pneumoniae infections in pediatric populations.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is resurging in Romanian children post-pandemic, often presenting with right lung involvement and alveolar infiltrates. Pleural effusion is a common complication, but co-infections do not prolong hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) pneumonia, typically mild in children, shows a delayed resurgence post-COVID-19.
- Epidemiological and clinical data for M. pneumoniae pneumonia in Romanian children during this resurgence are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology and clinical features of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in hospitalized Romanian children.
- To establish a baseline for future multi-center studies on M. pneumoniae infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, single-center study of 63 children hospitalized with M. pneumoniae pneumonia (March-December 2024).
- Data collected included clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings.
- M. pneumoniae infection confirmed by PCR or specific IgM antibody levels.
Main Results:
- Median age was 12.6 years; 11.1% were under 6.
- Radiography showed right lung predominance (52.4%) and frequent alveolar infiltrates (88.9%).
- Pleural effusion occurred in 27% and was linked to higher leukocyte counts; antibiotic choice and co-infections did not impact hospitalization duration. Rare extrapulmonary manifestations included meningoencephalitis and reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption.
Conclusions:
- This study details the post-pandemic M. pneumoniae pneumonia profile in Romanian children.
- Findings contribute to understanding evolving M. pneumoniae epidemiology and clinical presentations.
- Provides a foundation for future multi-center surveillance of pediatric M. pneumoniae infections.
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