[Changes in the epidemiological pattern of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia]

The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the changes in the epidemiological pattern and clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP). 244 patients with MP admitted to Kamo Hospital from 1979 to 1996 were reviewed. In the first half (1979-1987) there was a sharp increases once every 4-5 years in 1979-1978, 1984-1985, and 1988, but in the latter half (1988-1996) there were not sharp increases and decreases. The latest MP incidence in winter (Dec. to Feb.) was 24% in the latter half (1988-1996) significantly (p < 0.05) higher than 13% in the first half (1988-1996). In recent years in the management of pneumonia we should take MP into consideration every year and every season.