The Clinical Profile of Pediatric M. pneumoniae Infections in the Context of a New Post-Pandemic Wave

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an atypical bacterium with a tropism for the respiratory tract, but it can also cause numerous extrapulmonary involvements. The incidence of high rates varies in epidemiological waves, occurring at a frequency of 3-7 years. Since the end of 2023, an increase in the incidence of M. pneumoniae infection cases has been noted internationally. We conducted a retrospective study of children hospitalized and confirmed with M. pneumoniae infection in our clinic during the last two epidemiological peaks. We retrieved data from the hospital database and divided the patients into two groups, corresponding to the years 2018-2019 and 2023-2024, respectively. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportions. In the years 2023-2024, we observed a higher incidence of patients with respiratory failure (p = 0.032), pleural reaction (p = 0.016), and pulmonary consolidation (p = 0.016) compared to the group in the years 2018-2019. Gastrointestinal involvement was more frequent in the years 2018-2019 (p = 0.004). The incidence of other extrapulmonary complications did not show significant differences. Infection with M. pneumoniae has varied clinical manifestations. In patients with community-acquired pneumonia, even in cases of consolidation, the possibility of infection with M. pneumoniae must also be considered.

Keywords: Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Romania; coinfection; extrapulmonary manifestation; lung damage.

Figure 1

Incidence of M. pneumoniae cases in the last two decades at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, “Prof. Dr. M. Bals”.

Figure 2

Comparative degree of lung damage by age group in both studied groups.

Figure 3

Occurrence of complications in patients with comorbidities in Group 1.

Figure 4

Occurrence of complications in patients with comorbidities in Group 2.