Epidemiology

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the cause of up to 20% of cases of community-acquired pneumonia and has also been implicated in some hospital-based epidemics. Respiratory infection occurs mainly in children and young adults and is often seen in close community settings, such as schools, colleges, nursing homes, and military bases.[3][4] Reports suggest that in certain parts of the world, infants might be the major infected group.[5][6]

M pneumoniae epidemics usually occur at 3- to 5-year intervals and are considered to be polyclonal.[7][8][9] In some countries there is a relative increase in incidence in the late summer or fall.[5][7][10][11] One study suggested a correlation between the time epidemics occur in northern and southern countries.[9] Less is known on the exact prevalence of M pneumoniae in upper respiratory infections, although this type of infection is considered to be common.[3][12] A carrier state for this pathogen has been noted and might be more common in the pediatric population.[1][13]  In the setting of a country-wide epidemic an increase of patients admitted to the intensive care unit due to severe M pneumoniae infection should be considered.[14]

Similarly to other pathogenic bacteria, a global increase in antibiotic resistance has been observed among Mycoplasma. Macrolide-resistant M pneumoniae cases have been reported in the Western Pacific (53.4%), South East Asia (9.8%), the Americas (8.4%), and Europe (5.1%).[15]

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