Clinical and epidemiological profile of pediatric Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infeccions in Santo Domingo

Introduction:  There is limited research on Mycoplasma pneumoniae in resource-limited settings. Observing the high variability of signs and symptoms of this infection in the pediatric population and its similarity to autoimmune pathologies, a retrospective, observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted.

Methods:  This study analyzed the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of M. pneumoniae infection in 100 pediatric patients who presented with the condition and were treated in a private pediatric clinic in the Dominican Republic from January 2023 to July 2024. The primary purpose of this study was to enhance physicians’ ability to accurately identify and diagnose the condition, thereby preventing potential complications.

Results:  The study cohort had a mean age of 7 years and 9 months and was 52% male, 84% of the patients were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection based on elevated IgM antibody levels. Fever was the most common systemic symptom, occurring in 51% of cases, followed by cough and rash, each present in 49% of patients. Pulmonary findings were observed in 23% of the patients. Notably, 59% exhibited extrapulmonary manifestations, with pharyngitis being the most prevalent among them. All patients were treated with a standardized azithromycin regimen.

Conclusions:  This study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment protocols, especially in resource-limited settings, to address the complexity of coinfections and develop equitable, evidence-based global guidelines.

Keywords:
Fever; Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; pediatrics; pharyngitis; rash