TITLE:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection: Epidemiological Characteristics, Current Status of Antimicrobial Resistance and Genotyping Research Progress
AUTHORS:
Dafei Liang, Wei Fu, Mei Ye, Yuhua Wan, Yuwen Guo, Hong Chen, Jida Li
KEYWORDS:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Macrolide Resistance, Epidemiology, Genotyping, Pediatric Respiratory Infections
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.16 No.2,
May
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a primary pathogen causing respiratory infections in children and adults. Compared to adults, children have an immature immune system, making them the core population susceptible to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Clinical manifestations are primarily characterized by cough and fever; severe cases may progress to respiratory distress, pulmonary embolism, bronchiolitis obliterans, and myocarditis, leading to serious adverse outcomes with significant variation in disease severity. In recent years, research into Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has achieved several breakthroughs: the iterative upgrading of novel detection technologies and molecular typing systems has further deepened our epidemiological understanding, while the publication of whole-genome sequences for a large number of strains has provided crucial evidence for elucidating pathogenic mechanisms. The widespread prevalence of acquired resistance to macrolide antibiotics has further complicated clinical management and prognosis. Currently, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods have been standardized, and tetracyclines and quinolones are effective alternatives for resistant strains. This review systematically summarizes key advances in M. pneumoniae research, focusing on three main areas: epidemiological characteristics, the current status of antibiotic resistance, and genotyping. It integrates multicenter clinical data and molecular biology research findings from both domestic and international sources to provide a theoretical reference for precision clinical diagnosis and treatment, epidemic prevention and control, and scientific research.