CDC

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections on the rise in the U.S.

October 30, 2024

Since late spring, the number of infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been increasing, especially among young children. This differs from previous years, when most infections were observed among school-aged children and adolescents.

CDC recommendations for clinicians

• Consider M. pneumoniae as a possible cause of infection, including in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.
• Suspect M. pneumoniae in community-acquired pneumonia patients who aren't clinically improving on antibiotics known to be ineffective against M. pneumoniae, such as beta-lactams.
• Perform laboratory testing when M. pneumoniae infection is suspected, especially among hospitalized children, to ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy is administered.
• Consider swabbing both the throat and the nasopharynx to improve the likelihood of detection in respiratory swab specimens.
• Consider using a second-line antibiotic regimen, such as fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines, to treat patients with suspected or confirmed M. pneumoniae infection who aren't improving on macrolides.
  Consider the potential adverse effects in children or pregnant people when using fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines.
• Promote the judicious use of antibiotics--and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance--by not prescribing antibiotics unless indicated by clinical and/or laboratory evidence.
• Promote CDC recommendations for core prevention strategies to prevent respiratory illness, including practicing good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes.

Source:

CDC. (2024, October 18). Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections Have Been Increasing. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/mycoplasma-pneumoniae-infections-have-been-increasing.html