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Published on: February 24, 2023

Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Lebanon during 2023-2024

Dima Khreis1, Mona Bou Khdoud2, Elsy El Tawil3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR) and WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Bacterial Pathogens, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.

Journal of Infection and Public Health
|July 6, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in Lebanon (2023-2024) primarily affected children, presenting with common respiratory symptoms. Despite a wide clinical range, outcomes were generally favorable with few complications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia, particularly in children.
  • Global Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreaks have resurged post-COVID-19, with limited data from the Middle East.
  • This study addresses the scarcity of regional data on M. pneumoniae outbreaks in the Middle East.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical, radiological, and epidemiological features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
  • To analyze the 2023-2024 Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in Lebanon.
  • To provide insights into the M. pneumoniae outbreak in the Middle East.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of patients with laboratory-confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • Inclusion criteria: IgM and/or PCR confirmation of M. pneumoniae.
  • Data collected: Demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak occurred in Lebanon from late winter to early summer 2023-2024.
  • The outbreak predominantly affected school-aged children (5-17 years), with fever and cough as primary symptoms.
  • Outcomes were favorable, with rare complications (4.7%) and no reported deaths; severe outcomes linked to older age and comorbidities.

Conclusions:

  • The 2023-2024 Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in Lebanon demonstrated a broad clinical spectrum but favorable outcomes.
  • Strengthening diagnostic capacity and promoting judicious antibiotic use are crucial for effective public health response.
  • Establishing regional surveillance systems is essential for timely outbreak recognition and management.
Keywords:
Hospitalized patientsLebanonMycoplasma pneumoniaeOutbreakPneumoniaRespiratory infection

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