Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of children with macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in Taiwan

Mycoplasma pneumoniae accounts for 10-30% of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. This study reveals the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of children with macrolide-resistant (ML^r) M. pneumoniae pneumonia in Taiwan. Respiratory tract specimens were collected from children hospitalized with CAP for evaluation via PCR followed by DNA sequencing for several point mutations related to the ML^r character. Of the 412 specimens collected during the study period, 60 (15%) were positive for M. pneumoniae, 14 (23%) of which presented point mutation (all A2063G) in 23S rRNA. Clinical symptoms and chest X-ray findings between the ML^s and ML^r groups were not significantly different. However, the ML ^r group had longer mean duration of fever after azithromycin treatment (3.2 days vs. 1.6 days, P = 0.02) and significantly higher percentage of changing antibiotics for suspected ML^r strain (42% vs. 13%, P = 0.04). Although 58% of children in the ML^r group did not receive effective antibiotics, all children were discharged without sequelae. In conclusion, 15% of CAP in children is caused by M. pneumoniae and the macrolide-resistance rate is 23% in Taiwan. Despite ineffective antibiotics, children with ML^r M. pneumoniae pneumonia recover completely. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:904-911. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.