Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: comparison of clinical, epidemiological characteristics and laboratory profiles

Abstract

Short running head: C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae pneumonia 2 SUMMARYThe purpose of our retrospective three-year-study was to analyse and compare clinical and epidemiological characteristics in hospitalized patients older than six years with communityacquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae (87 patients) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (147 patients). C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae infection was confirmed by serology. C. pneumoniae patients were older (42.12 year vs. 24.64 year), and were less likely to have a cough, rhinitis, and hoarseness (p<0.001). C. pneumoniae patients had higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) than M. pneumoniae patients (p<0.001). Pleural effusion was recorded more frequently in patients with M. pneumoniae (8.84% vs.3.37%). There were no characteristic epidemiological and clinical findings that would distinguish CAP caused by M. pneumoniae from C. pneumoniae.However, some factors are indicative for C. pneumoniae such as older age, lack of cough, rhinitis, hoarseness, and higher value of CRP, and AST.

Epidemiological characteristics and meteorological factors of childhood Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in Hangzhou

“…A study on both children and adults in Yugoslavia revealed that MPP was more frequent between August and November. [18] Another study found that M. pneumoniae infection was more common in winter than other seasons in Istanbul, Turkey. [6] A peak of M. pneumoniae infection in June or July was observed in Italy and Australia.…”

Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adult community-acquired pneumonia increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 serum level and induces its gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…All patients received antibiotic therapy (azithromycin 1×500 mg for 3 days) and were discharged from hospital without complications. We excluded patients with dual infections described in early studies and patients with respiratory infections [13,14]. …”

BTS guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults: update 2009

“…[II] A study from Israel reported no distinguishing clinical features for chlamydial pneumonia, except that it affected older patients than pneumococcal and mycoplasma infections 98 . [II] A comparison of C pneumoniae and M pneumoniae confirmed the age difference between the groups and stated that, although clinical features could not be used to distinguish between the two, cough, hoarseness and rhinitis were all more common in M pneumoniae pneumonia 138 . [III] Where C pneumoniae was the only pathogen identified, the illness was generally mild with non-specific symptoms 139 .…”