Clinical Characteristics and Predictor of Macrolide Resistant Mycoplasma
Pneumoniae in Paediatric Pneumonia
Abstract
The aim is to look at the rate of macrolide resistance in a group of
children admitted with mycoplasma pneumonia at a local hospital and to
compare and analyze clinical features of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma
pneumoniae (MRMP) and macrolide-sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MSMP)
to facilitate early recognition of likely resistance and to guide the
choice of appropriate antibiotics for treatment. Paediatric patients
with pneumonia with a real time mycoplasma PCR positive result were
analyzed. Mutations associated with macrolide resistance were identified
by direct DNA sequencing of the domain V of the 23S rRNA gene and
patient. MRMP was identified in 43% of the patients tested within March
2013 to August 2013. No single clinical characteristic or laboratory
markers were reliable in differentiating between MSMP and MRMP. A
clinical parameter of non-defervescence at 72 hours was identified as a
good clinical indicator for likely macrolide resistance. 96% of MSMP
patients achieved defervescence by 72 hours. There were 5 patients that
developed pleural effusion and 80% of them belonged to the MRMP group.
All of the 15 patients treated with doxycycline, were able to achieve
rapid defervescence within 24 hours. The overall length of stay was
longer in the MRMP group. Macrolide resistance in Hong Kong appears to
be lower than previous published data. With limited laboratory support
to identity resistance, clinical parameters help facilitate and support
the decision for alternative treatment options such as doxycycline to
prevent complications and prolong length of stay in a common and
treatable condition in the paediatric population.