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[Mycoplasma sp. in the respiratory tract of hospitalized children]
E García-Ramos1, A G Gutiérrez, O Ortega-Palma
1Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, D.F., Mexico.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common bacteria causing respiratory diseases in other countries, specially in older children, adolescents and young adults and less frequently in the age group studied here, nevertheless the determination of its presence in this group was considered important. Two hundred and fifty throat swabs were taken from children, under five years of age, hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and to 50 children, same age, with no ARI (controls). The samples were placed in transport media and were incubated at 37 degrees C during 7 to 15 days. They were reinoculated in PPLO agar and typical colonies were looked for, 5 to 8 days later. The organisms were identified by biochemical tests. Eight Mycoplasma sp (3.2%) were obtained, five of them were M. pneumoniae (2.0%) and three M. hominis (1.2%). Only in 2 cases adenoviruses with M. hominis were found in the absence of other pathogens. It was shown that M. pneumoniae also infects children under five years old, so its present should be suspected, specially when the patient's health does not improve with the installed treatment. Some important suggestions for the isolation of mycoplasma are given.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections occur in children under five with acute respiratory infections. Early suspicion is vital, especially when treatment fails, for effective Mycoplasma diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory illness in older children and young adults.
- Its prevalence in children under five with acute respiratory infections (ARI) is less understood.
- This study investigated Mycoplasma detection in young children hospitalized with ARI.
Purpose:
- To determine the presence and prevalence of Mycoplasma species, specifically Mycoplasma pneumoniae, in children under five with ARI.
- To assess the significance of Mycoplasma infections in this younger age group.
Summary:
- Throat swabs from 250 children under five with ARI and 50 controls were cultured for Mycoplasma.
- Eight Mycoplasma species (3.2%) were isolated, including five Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2.0%) and three Mycoplasma hominis (1.2%).
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected in children under five, suggesting its role in ARI within this demographic.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of considering Mycoplasma pneumoniae in pediatric ARI, even in young children.
- Suggests Mycoplasma infection should be suspected when ARI treatment is ineffective.
- Provides insights into Mycoplasma isolation techniques for this age group.