Clinical peculiarities of mycoplasma infection in children with community pneumonia

Abstract

Aim: of our study was to distinguish some peculiarities of clinical manifestation in respiratory mycoplasma infection in children.

Methods: We examined 330 children 7 years old and younger with community pneumonia with wheezing. The study group–110 children (67,9%:95%CI,60,1-75) with M.pneumoniae infection, 52(32,1%:95%CI,25-39,9) with M.hominis; control group–168 patients (50,9%:95%CI,45,4-56,4) without Mycoplasma. In both groups males were predominate versus females. So, in M.pneumoniae positive group males had 54,5%:95%CI,44,8-64,1, females only 45,5%:95%CI,35,9-55,2. The same frequency was distinguished in M.hominis-group: 55,8%:95%CI,30,5-58,7 males versus 44,2%:95%CI,30,5-58,7 females, in control group 60,1%:95%CI,52,3-67,6 males, 39,9%:95%CI,32,4-47,7 females.

Results: Clinical manifestations in onset of pneumonia induced by M.pneumoniae or M.hominis is characterized by dry, irritant cough (45,2% infants, 25,0% toddlers). Fever of 37,3–37,6°C was characteristic for M.pneumoniae infection versus M.hominis group with the different types of fever, such as hyperthermia, hyperpyrexia, χ²=13,57;p<0,01. Another peculiarity of mycoplasma infection is association with pneumonia and wheezing (85,8%,95%CI:79,5-90,8) and it's more expressed in infants and toddlers. In children aged 1–7years pneumonia is associated with difficulties in breathing. Mycoplasma infection represents a moderate risk of 1,76 times for pulmonary complication (RR 1,76%:95%CI,0,9-2,3;χ²=3,6;p>0,05) versus pneumonia induced by other microorganisms.

Conclusions: Mycoplasma infection is characterized by clinical polymorphism and induces longer evolution of diseases and argues etiologic confirmation for application of macrolide treatment.