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Changes in Epidemiological Characteristics in Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Seropositivity in Southwest China

Zhengxiang Gao1,2, Yifei Duan1,2, Yu Wu1,2

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections declined during COVID-19 but resurged in China in 2023. Post-pandemic, MP seropositivity increased in children, with a later seasonal peak observed in Chengdu.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Respiratory infections

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) causes pediatric respiratory infections.
  • MP activity significantly decreased globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A resurgence of MP infections was noted in China starting in summer 2023.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of MP seropositivity in children in Chengdu, China.
  • To compare MP infection patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic versus the post-pandemic period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of MP testing data from 39,552 children with acute respiratory infections.
  • Data collected from West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, between January 2022 and December 2023.

Main Results:

  • MP seropositivity and testing rates were lower during the pandemic (2022) than post-pandemic (2023).
  • Female children and those aged 1-3 and 6-14 years showed higher MP seropositivity.
  • The seasonal peak for MP shifted later in 2023 compared to 2022.

Conclusions:

  • Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during COVID-19 reduced MP transmission.
  • A rebound in MP seropositivity was observed post-pandemic, with a delayed seasonal peak.
  • Enhanced MP surveillance is crucial for early outbreak detection.

Keywords:
ChinaMycoplasma pneumoniaeacute respiratory tract infectionschildrenepidemiology

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