Occurrence of serologically verified Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Finland and in Scandinavia in 1970--1977.

This study analyses the numbers of serologically verified Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Finland as a whole and by regions, and in Scandinavia in 1970--77 on the basis of reports collected in the countries concerned. Two peaks of occurrence were found to have extended over most parts of Finland and across Scandinavia; in addition, there were separate local epidemics. Thus, M. pneumoniae infections showed a periodicity of occurrence, but not a regular cyclic pattern. The figures do not necessarily reflect the true incidence of M. pneumoniae infections in the areas investigated.