Clinical Evaluation of Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Pediatric Japanese Patients.

ABSTRACT

Background: In recent years, an increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections among children has become a social issue in Japan. Methods: During a 2-year collection period (2011-2012), we evaluated trends during the first and second halves of both years. Only patients with positive rapid antigen detection test results (ImmunoCard Mycoplasma Meridian Bioscience, Inc Cincinnati, OH, USA) were included. The evaluation items included the patient number, sex, radiography findings, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and clinical macrolide-resistance rate. Results: The patient number increased significantly during the latter halves of the years. The macrolide-resistance rate also increased during the same periods. A similar trend was observed with respect to radiography findings but not with respect to the WBC count and CRP level. Conclusions: It is important to monitor the macrolide-resistance trends in case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children.