Association between chlamydia pneumoniae, mycoplasma infection and atherosclerosis / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae and mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults and their association with atherosclerosis,and to provide theoretical guidance for the prevention of such diseases. Methods A case-control study was used to collect 362 patients who were diagnosed with atherosclerosis from January 2019 to December 2021 in Department of Sichuan Bazhong Central Hospital, and 370 cases who were admitted to the hospital during the same period of physical examination without any cardiovascular disease were selected as the control group, and whole blood samples of the two groups of study subjects were collected, and the infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae and mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected by PCR. Results The infection rate of Chlamydia pneumoniae was 35.49%, the infection rate of mycoplasma was 40.37%, and the co-infection rate was 11.37%；The infection rate of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the control group was 12.04%, the infection rate of mycoplasma was 15.83%, and the coinfection rate was 3.14%, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=10.926, P=0.023). The effects of mycoplasma, chlamydia, and co-infection on atherosclerotic patients have sex differences, mainly manifested as higher infection rates in men; In addition, the effects of mycoplasma, chlamydia, and co-infection on atherosclerosis patients varied by age, mainly in the 55-70 years age group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that Chlamydia pneumoniae infection was a risk factor for atherosclerosis (OR=1.303, 95%CI: 1.043-1.677) in the whole population, and chlamydia pneumoniae (OR=1.472, 95% CI: 1.037-1.556), mycoplasma (OR=2.003, 95%CI: 1.637-3.842) and co-infection in men (OR=1.937, 95%CI: 1.380-2.184) were risk factors for atherosclerosis, while co-infection in women (OR=1.699, 95%CI: 1.263-1.765) was a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Conclusion Chlamydia pneumoniae and mycoplasma infection are risk factors for atherosclerosis, and their impact on male groups is greater, and more attention needs to be paid to them.

Retinal vein and artery occlusion as the first manifestation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome in a pediatric patient / Oclusão arterial e venosa como primeira manifestação da síndrome antifosfolipide primária em criança

ABSTRACT Antiphospholipid syndrome is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by hypercoagulability associated with recurrent venous and arterial thromboembolism in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Herein, we report a case of rapid sequential retinal vein and artery occlusion as the first manifestation of a primary antiphospholipid syndrome triggered by an acute Mycoplasma infection in a previously healthy 11-year-old patient. On day 1, ophthalmoscopy revealed a central retinal vein occlusion. The patient developed temporal branch retinal artery occlusion the next day. On day 3, a central retinal artery occlusion was observed. Serum lupus anticoagulant, immunoglobulin (Ig) G anticardiolipin, IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibody levels were increased. Thus, retinal vascular occlusions can be the first manifestation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Although it may not improve visual prognosis, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid further significant morbidity.

RESUMO A síndrome antifosfolipide é uma doença autoimune adquirida caracterizada por hipercoagulabilidade associada a tromboembolismo venoso e arterial recorrente na presença de anticorpos antifosfolipídicos. Aqui, relatamos um caso clínico de oclusão sequencial de veia e artéria da retina como primeira manifestação de uma síndrome antifosfolipíde primária desen­cadeada por uma infeção aguda por Mycoplasma num paciente de 11 anos previamente saudável. No primeiro dia, a oftalmoscopia revelou uma oclusão da veia central da retina. No dia seguinte, o paciente desenvolveu uma oclusão do ramo temporal da artéria central da retina. No terceiro dia, uma oclusão da artéria central da retina foi diagnosticada. Os níveis de anticoagulante lúpico sérico, anticorpos IgG anticardiolipina e IgG anti-β2-glicoproteína 1 e anticorpos IgM para Mycoplasma pneumoniae estavam aumentados. As oclusões vasculares retinianas podem ser a primeira manifestação da síndrome antifosfolipíde primária. Apesar do prognóstico visual ser reservado, o seu diagnóstico e o tratamento imediatos são essenciais para evitar outras morbilidades associadas.

Clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment. microRNA-146a is known to regulate inflammatory responses, and excessive inflammation is a primary characteristic of MPP. Methods Children with MPP received conventional symptomatic therapy along with intravenous administration of azithromycin for one week. Serum levels of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA kits, respectively. The correlation between microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was analyzed by the Pearson method. Pulmonary function indexes were assessed using a pulmonary function analyzer, and their correlation with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors after treatment was evaluated. Children with MPP were divided into effective and ineffective treatment groups, and the clinical significance of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results Serum microRNA-146a was downregulated in children with MPP but upregulated after azithromycin treatment, contrasting with the trend observed for pro-inflammatory factors. MicroRNA-146a showed a negative correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pulmonary function parameters were initially reduced in children with MPP, but increased after treatment, showing positive/inverse associations with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors. Higher microRNA-146a and lower pro-inflammatory factors predicted better efficacy of azithromycin treatment. MicroRNA-146a, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) were identified as independent factors influencing treatment efficacy. Conclusion Azithromycin treatment in children with MPP upregulates microRNA-146a, downregulates pro-inflammatory factors, and effectively improves pulmonary function.

Efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage combined with prone positioning in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and atelectasis: a prospective randomized controlled study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) combined with prone positioning in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and atelectasis and its effect on pulmonary function.@*METHODS@#A prospective study was conducted on 94 children with MPP and atelectasis who were hospitalized in Ordos Central Hospital of Inner Mongolia from November 2020 to May 2023. The children were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 47 children in each group. The children in the treatment group were given conventional treatment, BAL, and prone positioning, and those in the control group were given conventional treatment and BAL. The two groups were compared in terms of fever, pulmonary signs, length of hospital stay, lung recruitment, and improvement in pulmonary function.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly shorter time to improvement in pulmonary signs and length of hospital stay and a significantly higher rate of lung recruitment on day 7 of hospitalization, on the day of discharge, and at 1 week after discharge (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly higher levels of forced vital capacity (FVC) as a percentage of the predicted value, forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second as a percentage of the predicted value, ratio of FEV in 1 second to FVC, forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC as a percentage of the predicted value, forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC as a percentage of the predicted value, and maximal mid-expiratory flow as a percentage of the predicted value on the day of discharge and at 1 week after discharge (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the time for body temperature to return to normal between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the treatment of children with MPP and atelectasis, BAL combined with prone positioning can help to shorten the time to improvement in pulmonary signs and the length of hospital stay and promote lung recruitment and improvement in pulmonary function.

PCR múltiplex para el diagnóstico de microorganismos atípicos transmitidos sexualmente / Multiplex PCR testing for the atypical microorganisms diagnosis sexually transmitted

Resumen Antecedentes: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual son un problema de salud pública mundial. El análisis rutinario incluye solo pruebas microbiológicas y serológicas para el diagnóstico de patógenos. Los microorganismos atípicos como Chlamydia trachomatis y micoplasmas no son identificados debido a los requerimientos. Además, no es incluida Gardnerella vaginalis, aunque se asocia a la vaginosis bacteriana. Objetivo: Desarrollar una PCR múltiplex para el diagnóstico de C. trachomatis, micoplasmas y G. vaginalis. Método: Se estandarizó la PCR múltiplex utilizando oligonucleótidos para C. trachomatis (gen ompA, orf6 plasmídico), Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma y G. vaginalis (genes rRNA16s). Resultados: Se estandarizaron pruebas de PCR múltiplex para los microorganismos estudiados, optimizándose las concentraciones y condiciones de las reacciones múltiplex. Se obtuvieron PCR dúplex para C. trachomatis (ompA, orf6), Chlamydia/Gardnerella y Chlamydia/micoplasmas y tríplex para Chlamydia/Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma. También un cuádruplex para Chlamydia/Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma/Gardnerella. Los resultados fueron verificados por PCR e hibridación automática (HybriSpot 12) y análisis in silico. Conclusión: Se desarrollaron pruebas de PCR múltiplex con una alta sensibilidad y especificidad para la identificación de C. trachomatis, micoplasmas y G. vaginalis.

Abstract Background: Sexually transmitted infections are a global public health problem. Routine analysis includes microbiological and serological tests for the diagnosis of pathogens. Atypical microorganisms such as Chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasmas are not determined due to the requirements for their identification. Furthermore, Gardnerella vaginalis is not included despite being associated with bacterial vaginosis. Objective: To develop a multiplex PCR to diagnose Chlamydia, mycoplasmas, and Gardnerella. Method: Standardization of multiplex PCR tests was carried out using oligonucleotides for the identification of Chlamydia (ompA gene, plasmid orf6), Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma and Gardnerella (rRNA16s genes). Results: Multiplex PCR tests were standardized for the microorganisms studied, optimizing the concentrations and conditions of the multiplex reactions. Duplex PCR was obtained for Chlamydia (ompA, orf6), Chlamydia/Gardnerella, and Chlamydia/mycoplasmas, and triplex PCR for Chlamydia/mycoplasmas. Also, a quadruplex for Chlamydia, Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma and Gardnerella. PCR and automatic hybridization verified the results obtained (HybriSpot 12) and in silico analysis. Conclusion: Multiplex PCR tests with high sensitivity and specificity were developed to identify C. trachomatis, mycoplasmas, and G. vaginalis.

Ureaplasma diversum-Ureaplasma sp. alone or concomitantly with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pig lungs with and without pneumonia: A descriptive exploratory study in abattoirs / Presencia de Ureaplasma diversum-Ureaplasma sp. solo o junto con Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae en pulmones de cerdos con y sin neumonía: un estudio exploratorio descriptivo en frigorífico

Abstract Occurrence of Ureaplasma diversum (U. diversum) has been associated with repro-ductive failures in cattle and detected in pigs with and without pneumonia. However, its rolein the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is unclear. A cross-sectional study was con-ducted in abattoirs, inspecting 280 pig lungs from eight herds. All the lungs were inspected,processed and classified according to the histopathological analysis. Moreover, bronchoalveolarlavage (BAL) specimens were collected and processed by PCR for detection of U. diversum andMycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae). Ureaplasma sp.---U. diversum and M. hyop-neumoniae were detected in 17.1% and 29.3% of the analyzed BAL specimens, respectively. Theconcomitant presence of both microorganisms was detected in 12.5% of the inspected lungs.Both agents were found in lungs with and without pneumonia. M. hyopneumoniae was detectedin 31.8% of pig lungs with enzootic pneumonia-like lesions, while Ureaplasma sp.---U. diversumwas detected in 27.5% of lungs with these lesions. This descriptive exploratory study providesinformation for future experimental and field-based studies to better define the pathogenicrole of this organism within the PRDC.

Resumen La presencia de Ureaplasma diversum se ha asociado a fallas reproductivas en el ganado bovino y se ha detectado en cerdos con y sin neumonía. Sin embargo, su participación en el complejo de enfermedades respiratorias porcinas (CERP) no es clara. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en matadero, inspeccionando 280 pulmones de cerdo provenientes de ocho piaras. Todos los pulmones fueron inspeccionados, procesados y clasificados según el análisis histopatológico. También se colectaron muestras de lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) y se procesaron mediante PCR para la detección de U. diversum y Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Ureaplasma sp.-U. diversum y M. hyopneumoniae se detectaron en el 17,1% y en el 29,3% de los LBA analizados, respectivamente. La presencia concomitante de ambos microorganismos se detectó en el 12,5% de los pulmones inspeccionados. Ambos agentes se encontraron en pulmones con y sin neumonía. M. hyopneumoniae se detectó en el 31,8% de los pulmones con lesiones compatibles con neumonía enzoótica, mientras que Ureaplasma sp.-U. diversum se detectó en el 27,5% de los pulmones con estas lesiones. Este estudio exploratorio descriptivo proporciona información para futuros estudios experimentales y de campo tendentes a definir mejor el papel patógeno de este organismo dentro del CERP.

Epidemiología y prevalencia de Mycoplasma genitalium y resistencia a azitromicina en el Área Norte de Tenerife, Islas Canarias

Introducción: La infección y resistencia antimicrobiana de Mycoplasma genitalium está infradiagnósticada en nuestra comunidad ya que no es una Enfermedad de Declaración Obligatoria y requiere técnicas de biología molecular, no siempre disponibles. Objetivo: Estudiar la epidemiología y prevalencia de M. genitalium y la tasa de resistencia frente a azitromicina en nuestra Área de Salud. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, desde abril de 2019 a julio de 2020, realizado en el Área de Salud del Norte de Tenerife, la cual atiende el Hospital Universitario Canarias. Para el diagnóstico de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) se utilizó la RT-PCR Allplex™ STI Essential Assay (Seegene, South Korea). Las muestras en las que se detectó M. genitalium fueron congeladas a −80°C para posteriormente realizar estudio de resistencia a azitromicina con la RT-PCR Allplex™ MG y AziR Assay (Seegene, South Korea). Resultados: Se identificaron 111/3.849 (prevalencia de 2,8%) pacientes con M. genitalium, de los cuales la mayoría, 59(53,1%) eran hombres con una mediana de 32 años (15-74) y cuyas muestras procedían principalmente de Atención Primaria: 55 (49,5%). Para la detección de resistencia a azitromicina, de los 111 pacientes solo se pudo analizar las muestras de 79, detectándose resistencia in vitro en 15(18,3%): 10 con A2059G, 4 con A2058G y 1 con ambas. La resistencia a azitromicina fue más frecuente en hombres 12 (15,8%). Discusión y Conclusiones: Con este estudio se pone de manifiesto la importancia de la prevalencia de M. genitalium en nuestro entorno, así como su alta tasa de resistencia a azitromicina por lo que se hace necesario vigilar dicha resistencia en nuestro Área de Salud para su adecuado tratamiento.

Background: Infection and antimicrobial resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium is under-diagnosed in our community as it is not a Notifiable Infectious Disease and requires for its detection molecular biology techniques, which are not always available. Aim: To study the epidemiology and prevalence of M. genitalium and the rate of resistance to azithromycin in our Health Care Area. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from April 2019 to July 2020 in the Northern Health Care Area of Tenerife, which is attended to the Universitary Hospital Complex of the Canary Islands. The RT-PCR Allplex™ STI Essential Assay (Seegene, South Korea) to diagnose Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) was used. Samples in which M. genitalium was detected were stored at −80°C for subsequent diagnosis of resistance to azithromycin with the RT-PCR Allplex™ MG and AziR Assay (Seegene, South Korea). Results: Of a total of 111/3,849 (2.8% prevalence) patients diagnosed with M. genitalium, 59 (53.1%) were male with a mean age of 30 (19-61) years and mainly from Primary Care 55 (49.5%). Only 79 samples of the 111 patients could be tested to detect azithromycin resistance, of which 15 (18.3%) were resistant in vitro: 10 with A2059G, 4 with A2058G and 1 with both. Azithromycin resistance was more frequent in men 12 (15.8%) and detected mainly in urine samples 6 (60%). Discussion and Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalence of M. genitalium in our setting as well as the high rate of resistance to azithromycin, making it necessary to detect resistance to azithromycin in M. genitalium for its appropriate treatment in our Health Care Area.

Laboratory detection of bacterial pathogens and clinical and laboratory response of syndromic management in patients with cervical discharge: A retrospective study

Background: Cervical discharge as part of cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease is a cause of significant morbidity in sexually active women worldwide. Non-gonococcal and non- chlamydial bacterial pathogens are becoming more prevalent. Aims: This study aims to determine bacterial pathogens causing cervical discharge using culture and/or polymerase chain reaction and assess the clinical and laboratory response to the conventional syndromic kit regimen established by the World Health Organisation. Methods: A retrospective review of records of women with cervical discharge over one year period. Culture and/or polymerase chain reaction results of endocervical swabs of various bacterial pathogens at baseline and after four weeks of treatment with syndromic kit regimen were recorded. Results: A total of 70 case records were reviewed for clinical details, out of which results of bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction were available for 67 cases. Infectious aetiology was found in 30 (44.7%) patients with Ureaplasma species being the most common organism isolated on culture (18, 26.8%) and polymerase chain reaction (25, 37.3%), respectively. Polymerase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis was positive in ten (14.9%) and four (6%) cases, respectively. None of the patients showed positive culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Coinfection was seen in eight (11.9%) patients with the majority showing Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma spp. coinfection (five patients). Forty one cases (58.5%) received tab. cefixime 400 mg and tab. azithromycin one gram stat (kit 1), while 29 cases (43.3%) received tab. cefixime 400 mg stat, tab. metronidazole 400 mg and cap. doxycycline 100 mg, both twice daily for 14 days (kit 6). Minimal to no clinical improvement with treatment was seen in 14 out of 32 cases (44%) at the end of four weeks with the conventional kit regimen. Post-treatment culture and/or polymerase chain reaction were positive in nine out of 28 cases (32.1%) with Ureaplasma spp. being the most common. Limitations: Retrospective study design, small sample size and fewer cases with follow-up data were the main limitations. Conclusion: Ureaplasma spp. was the most common infectious cause of cervical discharge in our patients. Treatment given as part of syndromic management led to a clinical and microbiological response in around half and two-third cases, respectively.

The immunogenic involvement of miRNA-492 in mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in pediatric patients

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of miRNA-492 in the progression of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in pediatric patients. Methods: Forty-six children admitted to the present study's hospital and diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia were recruited as the study group from March 2018 to August 2019, and 40 healthy children were selected as the control group. Results: The expression levels of miRNA-492, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-18 in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between miRNA-492 and most of the immune-correlated indicators in the study group, except for IL-6, IL-18 and HMGB1. Meanwhile, overexpression of miRNA-492 increased IL-6 secretion in PMA-activated monocytes (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The present study's results suggested that miRNA-492 might play a role in the pathogenesis of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children by regulating the secretion of immune-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and IL-18 in the mononuclear macrophages.

A rare presentation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae with splenic nodules

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen that can cause a wide spectrum of extrapulmonary manifestations with neurological manifestations being the most common. Here, we report a rare case of splenic nodules in a 7-year-old girl with M. pneumoniae infection which responded well to macrolides. M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in children with extrapulmonary manifestations including splenic lesions

Mycoplasma Genitalium and Chlamydia Trachomatis Prevalence, Co-Infection and Relevant Factors in An Epidemiology Study (2016 - 2019) In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium are two common types of sexually transmitted infections. However, currently in Vietnam, there is no report on the rate of patients infected by the two types of bacteria. In this study, there were 6194 patients visiting the STI clinic of the HCMC Hospital of Dermato-Venereology, Vietnam, from 2016 to 2019. The results show that the proportion of patients positive with CT and MG is in-dependent on time. The infection rate is mainly at the age of 21 - 30 (53.4%). The CT infection rate in female and male is equal (17.3% vs 17.4%) while the rate of MG in female is lower (5.1% vs 7, 8%). The rate of pa-tients co-infected with either CT or MG is 4.5%, 17% and 5.7% respectively, time independence. This study may give better understandings of the epidemiological characteristics of MG and CT in Vietnam.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among children undergoing physical examination / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae ( Mp) in children undergoing physical examination. Methods:This study randomly enrolled 1 303 children at the age of 6-12 years who underwent physical examination in 2023. Their oral and pharyngeal swabs as well as venous blood samples were collected. The prevalence of Mp in these subjects was detected using isolation and culturing, nucleic acid detection and serological test. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:Among the 1 303 children, the detection rate of Mp was 4.1% (53/1 303) by culturing, 7.3% (95/1 303) by nucleic acid detection and 13.6% (177/1 303) by serological test. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the the detection rates of Mp among children undergoing physical examination between the three methods ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The detection rate of Mp in children undergoing physical examination in 2023 was about 4.1%. Isolation and culturing was more accurate than nucleic acid detection and serological test in the detection of Mp in healthy population as the latter two methods would overestimate the rate.

Epidemiological analysis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia in Hunan from 2013 to 2021 / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae ( Mp) infection in hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia in Hunan Province and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods:The epidemiological characteristics of Mp infection in children hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia in the Children′s Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People′s Hospital) from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:A total of 55 681 children with community-acquired pneumonia were enrolled during the study period, of whom 27.24% (15 170/55 681) were tested positive for Mp. The positive rate was lower in boys than in girls (23.39% vs 33.39%, χ 2=665.998, P<0.001). The positive rate of Mp infection increased with age with the highest rate in children who were 5-14 years old (67.92%) and the lowest in infants less than one year old (6.38%). The detection rates of Mp infection varied between years with the highest rate in 2019 (38.31%). The positive rates of Mp infection during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020-2021 were similar to those in 2013-2018. Among the children hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia, the detection rate of Mp was significantly higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring (χ 2=648.753, P<0.001), with the highest detection rate reaching to 56.91% in the summer of 2019. In contrast, the detection rates of Mp in the spring and summer of 2020 were 15.60% and 17.44%, respectively, being the lowest detection rates ever for spring and summer, while the detection rates in the autumn and winter rebounded (31.22% and 28.48%). During the Mp epidemic in 2019, the age at onset, the proportion of severe pneumonia and the cost of treatment were higher as compared with those in other years. In 2020, the number of cases positive for Mp was the lowest on record, as was the proportion of severe pneumonia and admission rate to PICU ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia, there were gender, age and season differences in Mp infection. In the summer of 2019, there was a Mp epidemic in Hunan Province, which increased the proportion of severe pneumonia and the cost of treatment. After the outbreak of COVID-19, the rate of Mp infection dropped significantly in the spring of in 2020 as well as in the summer, but rebounded in the autumn and winter. This might be due to the strict restrictive measures taken early during the COVID-19 pandemic that effectively controlled the spread of Mp.

The serum levels of FCGBP, SAA1, CXCL10 in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and their relationship with prognosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the serum levels and clinical significance of Fc fragment of the IgG-binding protein (FCGBP), serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1), and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and their relationship with prognosis.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 122 children with MPP admitted to the department of pediatrics of the 970th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army from January 2019 to December 2021. According to the severity and prognosis of MPP, they were divided into mild and severe groups, good prognosis group, and poor prognosis group. Forty healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were set as the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 in each subject, and to compare the differences in serum levels of FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 among different groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of poor prognosis in MPP patients. The diagnostic value of individual and combined detection of serum procalcitonin (PCT), FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 for poor prognosis in MPP children by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The levels of serum FCGBP [(115.68±10.57)ng/ml, (78.41±6.73)ng/ml, (12.55±3.25)ng/ml], SAA1 [(34.18±3.72)mg/L, (25.54±2.63)mg/L, (6.74±0.82)mg/L], and CXCL10 [(714.26±55.64)ng/L, (353.74±42.67)ng/L, (106.25±12.92)ng/L] in the severe MPP group were significant higher than those in the mild MPP group and the control group, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). The white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil percentage, C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), PCT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer (D-D), FCGBP, SAA1, CXCL10 of the children in the poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those in the good prognosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased PCT ( OR=1.603, 95% CI: 1.190-2.160), FCGBP ( OR=1.757, 95% CI: 1.115-2.770), SAA1 ( OR=1.900, 95% CI: 1.327-2.720) and CXCL10 ( OR=1.704, 95% CI: 1.212-2.397) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of MPP children (all P<0.05). The combined detection of serum PCT, FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 had a significantly higher diagnostic value for the risk of poor prognosis in children with MPP than a single indicator. Conclusions:The elevated levels of serum FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 in children with MPP are associated with the severity of MPP and are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in MPP patients.

The role of a simple Nomogram model in evaluating the severity of mycoplasma pneumonia pneumonia in adults / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the role of a simple Nomogram model in evaluating the severity of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in adults.Methods:The clinical data of 162 patients with MPP who received treatment in Wenzhou Central Hospital from March 2015 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into a severe group ( n = 67) and a common group ( n = 95) according to whether they were diagnosed with severe MPP. The clinical data of patients were recorded. Fourteen clinical variables were screened, including age, sex, onset season, fever, heat peak, fever duration, cough duration, white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelet count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of statistically significant variables in univariate analysis was performed. The Nomogram model was constructed with the R language software package (version 3.6.2). The model was verified with a calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve. Results:Univariate analysis results showed that in the severe group, the fever peak ( Z = 5.03, P < 0.001) was higher, fever duration ( χ2 = 27.55, P < 0.001), and cough duration ( χ2 = 28.72, P < 0.001) were longer, white cell count ( t = 2.93, P = 0.004), percentage of neutrophils ( t = 9.08, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein ( t = 35.05, P < 0.001), and procalcitonin level ( t = 15.09, P < 0.001) were greater compared with the common group. The percentage of lymphocytes ( t = 1.16, P < 0.001), hemoglobin level ( t = 1.22, P < 0.001), and platelet count ( t = 2.82, P < 0.001) in the severe group were significantly lower than those in the common group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that heat peak, cough duration, and C-reactive protein were positively correlated with the severity of MPP (all P < 0.05). The percentage of lymphocytes, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count were negatively correlated with the severity of MPP (all P < 0.05). The establishment and validation results of the Nomogram model showed that the accuracy of the model was good, with a sensitivity of 88.73%, a specificity of 77.61%, and a C-index of 0.904. Conclusion:Heat peak, cough duration, percentage of lymphocytes, platelet count, and C-reactive protein are closely related to the severity of early MPP. A simple Nomogram model can be one of the tools for early assessment of the severity of MPP.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and related risk factors of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To explore the clinical features and risk factors of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(SMPP) in children, and to provide guidance for early identification of SMPP.Methods:The clinical data of 263 children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia admitted to the Respiratory Department at Anhui Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the severity of the disease, the patients were divided into severe group( n=88) and mild group( n=175). The general conditions, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, imaging features and bronchoscopic findings between two groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Results:There was no significant difference in sex and onset season between two groups( P>0.05). The age of severe group was older than that of mild group( P<0.05). According to the age group, the incidence of SMPP in the infant group(14.10%) was lower than that in the preschool group (45.00%) and the school age group (37.65%) ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between preschool group and school age group ( P>0.05). The degree of fever and the proportion of extrapulmonary complications in severe group were higher than those in mild group, and the duration of fever, length of hospital stay and use of macrolides in severe group were longer than those in mild group ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in white blood cell count/lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), prealbumin, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, procalcitonin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and D-dimer between two groups(all P<0.05). There was significant difference in the copies of mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between two groups ( P<0.05). The proportion of large shadow, pleural thickening, atelectasis, pleural effusion, bronchoalveolar lavage and airway mucus thrombus blockage in severe group were higher than those in mild group ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hot course ( OR=1.294, 95% CI: 1.127-1.485), CRP level( OR=1.027, 95% CI: 1.003-1.052), LDH level( OR=1.006, 95% CI: 1.002~1.011), D-dimer level( OR=1.406, 95% CI: 1.065~1.875), ESR( OR=1.042, 95% CI: 1.008-1.077), large shadow( OR=21.811, 95% CI: 6.205~76.664) and pleural effusion( OR=5.495, 95% CI: 1.604-18.826) were independent risk factors for SMPP.ROC curve analysis showed that thermal path, CRP level, LDH level, D-dimer level and ESR had high predictive value in the diagnosis of SMPP, and the best thresholds were 8.50 d, 25.625 mg/L, 412.50 IU/L, 0.98 mg/L and 36.5 mm/h, respectively. Conclusion:Children with SMPP had high degree of fever, long duration of fever, length of hospital stay, long use of macrolides, significantly increased inflammatory indexes, and severe changes in pulmonary imaging and bronchoscopy.Hot course, CRP level, LDH level, D-dimer level, ESR, large shadow and pleural effusion are risk factors for SMPP.It is helpful for early identification of SMPP when the hot course is >8.50 d, CRP>25.625 mg/L, LDH > 412.50 IU/L, D-dimer > 0.98 mg/L, ESR > 36.5 mm/h.

Progress on biomarkers of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia / 国际儿科学杂志

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is an important component of community-acquired pneumonia, which can cause severe extrapulmonary complications of digestive, cardiovascular, blood, urinary and other systems.Accurate and effective biomarkers are significant for the diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.Recent studies have shown that new biomarkers such as IL-35, IL-17, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and S100 protein are involved in the development of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.In order to provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, this paper reviews the progress of new biomarkers in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in 20 299 children / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)infection in children, and provide data support for the prevention and control of MP.Methods:In this study , a retrospective analysis was used to collect clinical data with respiratory tract infection from January 2018 to February 2022 in the Shenyang Children′s Hospital, and analyze the distribution characteristics of MP positive rate, season, age, sex.Results:In this study, the positive rate of MP was 17.12% (20 299/118 598), in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 22.92% (7 732/33 738), 15.76% (5 736/36 388), 9.81% (1 313/13 379) and 16.60% (4 954/29 849) respectively.The highest positive rates of MP in 2018 and 2019 were 27.72% (1 809/6 527) and 23.45% (1 519/6 478) in summer, respectively, 2020 was spring (19.13%, 216/1 129) and 2021 was autumn (20.09%, 1 665/8 287).The MP positive rates of infancy, early childhood, preschool age and school age were 5.89% (605/10 265), 14.35% (4 639/32 333), 18.51% (10 961/59 203) and 24.37% (4 094/16 798), and MP positive rate increased with age, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=1 790.971, P<0.05).The positive rate of boys was 14.70% (9 586/65 206), while that of girls was 20.06% (10 713/53 392), the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=594.937, P<0.05). Conclusion:MP can occur all years round, mainly in summer and autumn.Girls are susceptible, especially common in school-age and pre-school children.Prevention and control measures should be taken as soon as possible for susceptible individuals to reduce the infection rate of MP.

Investigation of an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract infection in a primary school in Huzhou City， Zhejiang Province / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae （MP） in a primary school in Huzhou City， Zhejiang Province， and to provide scientific reference for future prevention and control of school outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infections caused by M. pneumoniae. MethodsAccording to the requirements for investigating respiratory infectious disease outbreaks， basic information， clinical history and epidemiological information were collected from the cases. Throat swab samples of cases for COVID-19 nucleic acid testing， influenza A and B virus antigen testing， and serum samples for detecting total antibody of mycoplasma were also collected. ResultsA total of 47 cases related to M. pneumoniae infection were identified. The first case occurred on May 4， 2022， and the cases were concentrated between May 22 and May 31， 2022. The last case occurred on June 21， marking a duration of 48 days for the outbreak. All cases were second-grade students， with an incidence rate of 35.07% （47/134） in the affected classes， with Class 206 at 53.330% （24/45）， Class 207 at 38.64% （17/44）， and Class 211 at 13.33% （6/45）. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence rates among the classes （χ2=16.57，P<0.05）. The incidence rate was 32.39% （23/71） for boys and 38.10% （24/63） for girls， with no statistically significant difference by gender （χ2=0.48，P>0.05）. The main clinical manifestations included cough， fever， and sore throat， and some cases exhibited signs of pneumonia. Pharyngeal swabs and serum samples were collected from 27 patients. The results were negative for pharynx swab samples， and positive for total mycoplasma antibody in 12 serum samples， with a positive rate of 44.44%. ConclusionSymptoms caused by M. pneumoniae are diverse in clinical manifestations， with atypical signs and a slow progression. Early cases tend to exhibit mild symptoms. The onset of the disease is not detected in time when students are attending classes. The school morning health checks fail to promptly detect it and trigger home isolation control measures， which all contribute to the outbreak of the epidemic. Schools should conduct relevant prevention and control campaigns， improve morning and afternoon health checks， and prevent students from attending classes while sick.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and recurrent respiratory tract infection in children / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the risk factors of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in children, and to provide reference for early clinical intervention. Methods A total of 648 RRTI children admitted to our hospital from October 2018 to December 2020 were selected. Serum MP antibody levels were detected by semi-quantitative method. According to whether the children were combined with mycoplasma infection, they were divided into experimental group (MP positive, n=283) and control group (MP negative, n=365). Age, gender, body mass index, nutrient deficiency, preterm birth, anemia, onset season, collective living, antibiotics application were collected from the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of MP infection in RRTI children. Results Among of 648 RRTI children, 283 (43.67%) had MP infection. There was no statistical significance in MP infection of pneumonia in children of different ages and genders between the two groups (P>0.05).There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in nutrient deficiency, onset season, length of hospital stay, days of fever, group living, application of antibiotics and invasive operation (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the onset season, length of hospital stay, group living were independent risk factors for MP infection in RRTI children (P<0.05). Conclusion The risk of MP infection in RRTI children is higher, and the main risk factors are onset season, length of hospital stay, group living and application of antibiotics.