Trend of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and hospital admissions post-COVID-19: single-center study 2023-2024

Abstract

Objectives: Acute respiratory tract infections are the most frequent illnesses leading to hospitalization, especially among infants and young children. In this study, we evaluated Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection from June 2023 to June 2024 and compared the clinical manifestations and disease severity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for all patients with laboratory-confirmed M. pneumoniae. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, radiological findings, treatment regimens, and outcomes. Results: The study included 34 patients with confirmed M. pneumoniae infection (18 males and 16 females; mean age 18.1 ± 20.6 years). The majority of cases (79.4%) occurred in children under 18 years of age, most cases were in 2024 with a peak observed in April 2024. Comorbidities were present in 61.7% of patients, and 23.5% had viral co-infections, most commonly, rhinovirus/enterovirus. Clinically, the most frequent symptoms were fever (85.3%), dyspnea (55.9%), and pneumonia (73.5%). Radiological evidence of lung involvement was found in 79.4% of cases, predominantly affecting a single lobe. Of the patients, 14.7% required intensive care unit admission, whereas the mortality rate was low (n=1; 2.9%). Antibiotics were administered to 94.1% of patients, most often, a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. No significant gender differences were observed apart from age. Conclusions: This study showed an increase in M. pneumoniae infections and associated hospital admissions after the COVID-19 pandemic, predominantly affecting children. The findings call for continued surveillance, targeted prevention strategies, and optimized management protocols.