Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with community-acquired mycoplasma pneumonia in Nanjing
Abstract Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a ubiquitous pathogen, causing various manifestations of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study aimed to update the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of community-acquired mycoplasma pneumonia (CAMP) in hospitalized children in Nanjing and to investigate the association of age, sex, and season of onset with the prognosis of CAMP. Methods The clinical data of children <18 years old, hospitalized for CAP in 2016, were collected and reviewed. Blood and nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained for pathogen detection, including cultivation, immunofluorescence, and polymerase chain reaction and acid tests. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. Results Of 3377 eligible children with radiographic confirmation of pneumonia, 1249 (36.99%) had M. pneumoniae infection. Although most children (614, 49.16%) with M. pneumoniae infection were ≤3 years old, CAMP occurred mostly in those aged 5-10 years (70.23%). The peak incidence was recorded between July and September (49.05%). Children aged 5-10 years had significantly longer hospitalization and more frequent atelectasis. No significant difference in CAMP was found between the sexes. Conclusions M. pneumoniae remains one of the leading pathogens in pediatric CAP .Particular care is necessary for children older than 5 years and during the peak periods of disease.