Mycoplasma Pneumoniae as a Causative Agent of Community Acquired Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Children - Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) causes respiratory tract infections in all age groups but older children and young adults are more affected than other age groups. Atypical pneumonia was described as a distinct and mild form of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) already before M. pneumoniae had been discovered and recognized as its cause. M. pneumoniae is estimated to be the cause of up to 40% of community acquired pneumonia in children over 5 years of age. Extrapulmonary manifestations have been reported in almost every organ. The correct diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infections is critical to initiate the appropriate therapy, since it is not possible to diagnose M. pneumoniae infection merely based on clinical signs and symptoms. Empirical therapy is, therefore, given in most cases. The current methods for diagnosing M. pneumoniae infection can be achieved using culture, serology, or molecular-based methods.Mycoplasmas do not have cell wall so are not susceptible to ?-lactam antimicrobial drugs, macrolides are generally accepted as first choice agent for treatment, especially in children. Emergence of macrolide resistant M. pneumoniae is now being reported in children, in more than 95% of M. pneumoniae isolates, which may be associated with severe clinical features and more extrapulmonary complications. This review focuses on the many new developments that enhance our understanding of M. pneumoniae causing community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections in children