Mycoplasma pneumoniae: not a typical respiratory pathogen

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia among school-aged children and young adults. Infections occur throughout the year but tend to surge during winter months across Europe. A characteristic epidemic cycle, where a substantial surge in the number of infections occurs, is seen approximately every 1-4 years and hypothesized to be driven by changes in immunity and a shift in circulating variants. Once thought to be an organism of low virulence, it has now been found to possess several virulence factors, including toxin production, biofilm formation and evasion of antibody-mediated immunity. The lack of a cell wall and reduced metabolic pathways limit the options for antibiotic treatment. Acquired macrolide resistance is a growing concern, with >80% of cases in China being macrolide-resistant. Although efforts have been made to develop a vaccine, there are still substantial hurdles to overcome in relation to vaccine-enhanced disease, which results from an inappropriate immune response among vaccinated individuals.

Keywords: CARDS toxin; P1 type; adhesion; atypical pneumonia; extrapulmonary disease; macrolides; vaccine-enhanced disease.