Prevalence and Clinical Features of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae in Thai Children
Jitladda Deerojanawong MD*, Nuanchan Prapphal MD*, Subharee Suwanjutha MD**, Sorasak Lochindarat MD***, Teerachai Chantarojanasiri MD**, Mongkol Kunakorn MD**, Thanyanat Bunnag MD***, Panida Srisan MD***
Affiliation : * King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University ** Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University *** Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Ministry of Public Health
Objective : To determine the prevalence and clinical features of mycoplasma pneumoniae in Thai children with
community acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Materials and Methods : Diagnosis of current infection was based on > 4 fold rise in antibody sera or persis-
tently high antibody titers together with the presence of mycoplasma DNA in respiratory secretion. The
clinical features were compared between children who tested positive for M. pneumoniae, and those whose
results were negative.
Results : Current infection due to M. pneumoniae was diagnosed in 36 (15%) of 245 children with paired sera.
The sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosing current infection in the
present study were 78% and 98% respectively. The mean age of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae was
higher than CAP with unspecified etiology. The presenting manifestations and initial laboratory finding were
insufficient to predict mycoplasma pneumoniae precisely, the presence of chest pain and lobar consolidation
on chest X-ray, however, were significant findings in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Conclusion : The present study confirms that M. pneumoniae plays a significant role in CAP in children of all
ages. Children with this infection should be identified in order to administer the appropriate antibiotic
treatment.
Keywords : Prevalence, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Children, Clinical
