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Eosinophil cationic protein in the sera of patients with Mycoplasma pneumonia

R Yamashita1, H Kitahara, T Kanemitsu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Children with Mycoplasma pneumonia and asthma exhibit elevated serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels, indicating eosinophil activation. These elevated ECP levels correlate with eosinophilia and may contribute to persistent cough in Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Previous research in 1985 indicated eosinophilia in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia.
  • Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a marker of eosinophil activation and degranulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure serum ECP concentrations in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia.
  • To compare ECP levels in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the correlation between ECP levels, eosinophilia, and persistent cough.

Main Methods:

  • Serum ECP concentrations were measured in 25 children with Mycoplasma pneumonia, 25 with asthma, and 11 healthy controls.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare ECP levels between groups and assess correlations.

Main Results:

  • Mean serum ECP levels were significantly higher in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia (18.7 +/- 12.6 microg/ml) and asthma (23.7 +/- 12.2 microg/ml) compared to normal controls (6.5 +/- 1.4 microg/ml) (P < 0.001).
  • Elevated ECP concentrations showed a direct correlation with the presence of eosinophilia (r = 0.349).
  • No relationship was found between ECP levels and the age of children with Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Conclusions:

  • Children with Mycoplasma pneumonia and asthma have significantly elevated serum ECP levels, suggesting eosinophil involvement.
  • ECP may be a contributing factor to persistent cough in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia, similar to its role in asthma.
  • ECP serves as a valuable biomarker for assessing eosinophil activation in pediatric respiratory conditions.

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