Patrick M Meyer Sauteur1, Annemarie M C van Rossum, Cornelis Vink. 1. aLaboratory of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center bErasmus University College, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Both the diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children are currently facing two main challenges: a relatively high carriage in asymptomatic children, and a worldwide increase in macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP). This review focuses on the scientific and clinical implications of these crucial issues. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of M. pneumoniae in the upper respiratory tract is similar among asymptomatic, healthy children and children with a symptomatic respiratory tract infection, and that current diagnostic procedures for M. pneumoniae are unable to differentiate between bacterial carriage and infection. It is therefore possible that the burden of M. pneumoniae-associated disease is overestimated. Another phenomenon that has an important impact on the treatment of M. pneumoniae infections is the rapid worldwide emergence of MRMP isolates. SUMMARY: The current diagnostic procedures for M. pneumoniae cannot discern between bacterial carriage and infection in a clinically relevant time frame. It is therefore imperative that these procedures be modified such as to unambiguously detect symptomatic M. pneumoniae infections. Moreover, the emergence of MRMP necessitates the application of methods to detect macrolide resistance as well as the implementation of restrictive policies regarding the use of macrolides.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Both the diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children are currently facing two main challenges: a relatively high carriage in asymptomatic children, and a worldwide increase in macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP). This review focuses on the scientific and clinical implications of these crucial issues. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of M. pneumoniae in the upper respiratory tract is similar among asymptomatic, healthy children and children with a symptomatic respiratory tract infection, and that current diagnostic procedures for M. pneumoniae are unable to differentiate between bacterial carriage and infection. It is therefore possible that the burden of M. pneumoniae-associated disease is overestimated. Another phenomenon that has an important impact on the treatment of M. pneumoniae infections is the rapid worldwide emergence of MRMP isolates. SUMMARY: The current diagnostic procedures for M. pneumoniae cannot discern between bacterial carriage and infection in a clinically relevant time frame. It is therefore imperative that these procedures be modified such as to unambiguously detect symptomatic M. pneumoniae infections. Moreover, the emergence of MRMP necessitates the application of methods to detect macrolide resistance as well as the implementation of restrictive policies regarding the use of macrolides.
Authors: Wei Yan; Hui Ming Ge; Gang Wang; Nan Jiang; Ya Ning Mei; Rong Jiang; Sui Jun Li; Chao Jun Chen; Rui Hua Jiao; Qiang Xu; Seik Weng Ng; Ren Xiang Tan Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2014-11-25 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: Maria Chironna; Daniela Loconsole; Anna Lisa De Robertis; Anna Morea; Egidio Scalini; Michele Quarto; Silvio Tafuri; Cinzia Germinario; Mariano Manzionna Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2016-03 Impact factor: 1.889