Resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children: emerging challenges and opportunities

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent advances in Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment, since the 2023-2024 global resurgence of M. pneumoniae following the COVID-19 pandemic has provided new insights. RECENT FINDINGS: The remarkably prolonged reduction of M. pneumoniae infections during COVID-19-related nonpharmaceutical interventions has shed new light on M. pneumoniae transmission, both on an individual and a global level. M. pneumoniae epidemiology showed striking differences in comparison with other respiratory pathogens, including RSV and pneumococcus. We discuss the possible mechanisms behind the delayed resurgence, including waning immunity and the persistence of M. pneumoniae reservoirs. There have been contrasting reports on disease severity with notable differences in severity between children and adults, with young adults showing marked vulnerability. The inability of M. pneumoniae diagnostic tests to differentiate between infection and carriage poses a continuing challenge: in daily clinical practice as well as in the interpretation of study results. Furthermore, several studies report safety and utility for tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones as treatment alternatives to macrolide antibiotics. SUMMARY: The global resurgence of M. pneumoniae following COVID-19 pandemic restrictions has provided a unique opportunity to study its epidemiology and pathophysiology, which has advanced our understanding of M. pneumoniae infections in children.