Epidemiological Characteristics and Clinical Impact of Macrolide‐Resistant
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Infection in Children in Southwest China, 2021–2025
Ting Liu, Sha‐sha Chen, Xiao‐lin Chen, Si‐yu Tan, Qin‐xue Lu, Yan Zhou ABSTRACT
Background
Methods
Retrospective analysis of MP antibody, nucleic acid, and resistance gene detection data. MP infections were categorized into macrolide‐resistant (MRMP) and macrolide‐sensitive (MSMP) groups. Clinical information was collected and compared.
Results
Positive rates for MP‐RNA, DNA, IgM, and total antibodies were 12.43%, 9.82%, 30.19%, and 49.82%, respectively. Infections predominantly affected children aged 2–8 years. The macrolide resistance rate was 87.87%. Compared with the MSMP group, the MRMP group had longer hospital stays (+0.74 days), higher rates of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (+19.6%), and a significantly higher initial macrolide treatment failure rate, leading to increased doxycycline use (+20.8%).
Conclusion
MRMP infections are highly prevalent in Southwest China and are associated with more complex clinical conditions and worse outcomes. Early resistance gene detection is recommended for hospitalized children with suspected MP infection during epidemic seasons. For children aged 2–8 years with persistent high fever and imaging findings of lung consolidation or mucus plugs, high suspicion of MRMP is warranted, and timely fiberoptic bronchoscopy should be considered.