Laboratory findings, physical and clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Analysis of 21 cases

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a well known causative agent of infection in childhood but clinical presentation may be variable. In this study we aimed to evaluate laboratory findings, physical and clinical features of pneumonia due to M. pneumonia in 21 children retrospectively. Methods: Clinical data of 21 children with pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae who were hospitalized in our institution from 1998 through 2004, were collected from the medical records and entered into a database. M. pneumoniae was diagnosed with antibody immünofluorescent assay (IFA) test system in 21 patients. In all patients, the diagnosis of active infection relied on the presence of Ig M antibodies. Results: Patients with M. pneumoniae infection included 17 female and 4 male. Mean age of patients was 7.90 ± 3.30 years (range, 2-16 years). Most of our cases had bilateral lung involvement. Most frequent X-ray finding was perihilar linear opacities. No significant complication was observed during the therapy. Conclusions: Children with pneumonia needed admission to the hospital emphasizes the need for early identification. Routine laboratory studies are not likely to distinguish between low respiratory tract infections due to M. pneumoniae and to viruses. Early identification of the pathogen and treatment improves the outcome of the pneumonia and reduces the associated mortality and morbidity.