Polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumonia: comparison with culture and serology resdults

ABSTRACT

Results of classic specific diagnostic tests for Mycoplama pneumonia [M. Pneumonia] are not promptly available to assist therapeutic decisions and new rapid diagnostic tests are becoming increasingly used. This study was designed to compare the different diagnostic tests for M. pneumania. Eighty-six 86 patients presenting with symptoms of respiratory infection and not responding to empiric treatment with B-lactam antibioties were included. Paired and single serum micro particle agglutination [MAG] assay, culture and direct polymerase chain reaction [PCR] for the diagnosis of M. pneumonia were used. Direct PCR was positive in 67 cases [77.9%] while serology gave positive results in 41 cases [47.7%] and only 33 cases [38.4%] gave positive culture results. Furthermore serology results were less sensitive in the older age groups [40 -<60 years and >/= 60 years] compared to the younger groups [< 20 years and 20- <40 years] with positive result in [26.7% and 21.4% vs 57.1% and 62.1%] respectively. Positive serology results were also less in the diabetic compared to the non-diabetic and the older age groups. The combination of direct PCR and serology may be important to differentiate clinical cases from carrier states