Clinical spectrum and diagnostic yields of Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumonia) occurs worldwide which accounts for 15%–20% of cases of community-acquired pneumonia and indistinguishable clinically from other infectious causes of pneumonia.AIM:The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to correlate it with other diagnostic methods such as culture, serology (ELISA), and conventional PCR along with the clinical signs and symptoms produced by M. pneumonia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 130 patients of all age groups presenting with clinical features of lower respiratory tract infections were enrolled over a period of 1 year and 2 months in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. M. pneumoniae in throat swab samples was detected by real-time PCR, compared with culture, serology, conventional PCR, and clinical signs and symptoms. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine the association of M. pneumoniae infection among different categories of patients.RESULTS:Out of a total of 130 patients, 18 patients (14%) were positive for M. pneumoniae by any test; culture was positive in nine patients (50%), serology (IgM) in eight patients (44.4%), PCR in five patients (27.7%), and real-time PCR was positive in six patients (33.3%). Clinical signs and symptoms were higher in incidence in M. pneumoniae-positive patients. Age-matched healthy controls (30) were included in the study, and all were negative for any diagnostic test performed (P = 0.026).CONCLUSION:It was concluded that combination of M. pneumoniae-specific testing modalities is required for the diagnosis of this etiological agent rather than a single diagnostic method.

The Prevalence of Atypical Pneumonia Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (P1 gene) in Patients with Respiratory Infections by Culture and Molecular PCR Methods in Tehran, Iran

“…The role of M. pneumoniae in isolated human Mycoplasma is proven as a true pathogen in the respiratory tract (3,24,25). Atypical M. pneumoniae begins with nonspecific symptoms and is characterized by progression of symptoms of the upper respiratory tract to the lower one (3,8). Rapid and accurate diagnosis is a factor that reduces mortality, morbidity, and (26).…”

“…Pneumonia is a lung parenchyma infection that is prevalent in any age group and is known as the sixth cause of death and the most common death-related infectious syndrome (1,2). Atypical Pneumonia syndrome causes upper and lower respiratory tract infection that can be characterized by gradual onset, dry cough, shortness of breath, extraterrestrial symptoms (such as headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) (3)(4)(5). Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia.…”

Molecular detection and evaluation of resistance of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae to macrolide (Erythromycin) due to mutation in the 23S rRNA gene among Iranian Patients with respiratory infections

“…Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is one of the common causes of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and atypical pneumonia which is responsible for mortality and morbidity among children and adults (1)(2)(3)(4). Since M. pneumoniae lacks cell wall, the infection is primarily treated with macrolide antibiotics (MLs), tetracycline, and uoroquinolones (5)(6)(7).…”

Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Children with Respiratory Tract Infections by ELISA and PCR

“…Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality among young children worldwide, the overwhelming majority occurring in developing countries [1]. Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been well established as a major cause of LRTIs and accounts for 10-30 per cent of all cases of pneumonia [2]. M. pneumoniae is a small, cell walldeficient bacterium that is insensitive to β-lactam antibiotics and cannot be detected by Gram stain [3].…”