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Serum Interferon-γ Is Associated With Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children

Hye Young Han1,2, Jeong-Min Oh3, Jung-Woo Rhim1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Korean Medical Science
|August 4, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can be severe. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) indicates a refractory course and steroid treatment effectiveness. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) may also signal disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection often leads to severe, refractory pneumonia.
  • Steroid therapy is a potential treatment for refractory MP pneumonia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of cytokines and specific gene mutations in MP pneumonia.
  • To evaluate the impact of steroid treatment on immune responses and disease course.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed 23S rRNA gene mutations in MP pneumonia patients.
  • Measured serum cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β) before and after steroid treatment.
  • Correlated cytokine levels with clinical parameters and disease severity markers.

Main Results:

  • A2063G mutation found in 72% of MP pneumonia patients.
  • Elevated IFN-γ and IL-6 levels correlated with hospitalization duration and fever.
  • Macrolide-resistant MP (MRMP) strains were associated with higher IFN-γ levels.
  • Steroid treatment significantly reduced IFN-γ and IL-6 levels.
  • LDH and AST levels correlated with IFN-γ and IL-6.

Conclusions:

  • IFN-γ is a potential biomarker for predicting refractory MP pneumonia.
  • LDH and AST levels may indicate disease severity in MP pneumonia.
  • Steroid treatment effectively modulates excessive immune responses in MP pneumonia.
Keywords:
ChildInterferon-γMycoplasma pneumoniaePneumonia

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