MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE INFECTION A Retrospective Review of 103 Hospitalised Children

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Abstract
The clinical aspects of M. pneumoniae infection in 103 children under 12 yr admitted to hospital over an 8 yr period were reviewed retrospectively. Respiratory illnesses occurred in 87 (85%) cases. The prevalence of lower respiratory tract involvement was similar in pre-school and school children. Cough was the commonest symptom at all ages. Coryzal symptoms and wheeze were common in pre-school children. Most infants had signs of pharyngitis or otitis media. Non-specific symptoms (fever, lethargy, malaise, anorexia and vomiting) were common accompaniments in children older than 1 yr. Non-respiratory illnesses in 16 (15%) patients included gastroenteritis, convulsions, non-specific skin rashes and limb pains. The duration of stay in hospital was 2-30 days (median 5 days) with apparent clinical recovery and resolution of chest X-ray abnormalities within 3 mo. in 78 (76%) patients seen for review.