Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children and Adolescents

1. Catherine Krafft, MD* 2. Cynthia Christy, MD†,‡ 1. *Department of Pediatrics and 2. †Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 3. ‡Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY * Abbreviations: CAP: : community acquired pneumonia EM: : erythema multiforme FDA: : Food and Drug Administration MIRM: : Mycoplasma pneumoniae– induced rash and mucositis PCR: : polymerase chain reaction SJS: : Stevens-Johnson syndrome Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of respiratory infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, in school-age children. However, as the science surrounding the diagnosis of this pathogen improves, our knowledge of its epidemiology, including asymptomatic carriage, and the management of this disease is evolving. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the microbiology and epidemiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. 2. Describe the variable clinical presentation of M pneumoniae infection and extrapulmonary manifestations. 3. Understand the difficulties associated with diagnosing infection with M pneumoniae and current recommendations for diagnosis. 4. Appropriately treat patients with suspected Mycoplasma infection. A 9-year-old girl presents to her pediatrician with a fever, decreased energy, and a cough for 10 days. She was initially evaluated 4 days ago when she had rhinorrhea, a cough, and decreased energy over the previous week. Her examination at that time was notable only for a mildly erythematous posterior oropharynx and nasal discharge. She was diagnosed as having a viral upper respiratory tract infection, and supportive care measures were recommended. Since that visit, her cough is more persistent and she has developed fevers. On examination her temperature is 100.8°F (38.2°C), heart rate is 100 beats/min, respiratory rate is 40 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. She is generally well-appearing. Her physical examination is remarkable for an erythematous posterior oropharynx, nasal discharge, and bilateral diffuse crackles on auscultation of her lungs. What is the next step in diagnosis and management? ### Microbiology Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a tiny, pleomorphic bacteria belonging to the class Mollicutes and is the smallest self-replicating bacteria pathogenic in humans, its only known host. M pneumoniae is unique in having no …