Influence of Mycoplasma Resistance Genes on Pediatric Mycoplasma Pneumonia Treatment and Determinants for Second-line Antimicrobial Adjustment.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of mycoplasma resistance genes in pediatric mycoplasma pneumonia and to identify the factors that necessitate antibiotic adjustments.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from children diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia at Chongqing Medical University Children's Hospital (January-October 2023). We categorized patients based on antibiotic treatment adjustments: the antibiotic adjustment group and the no adjustment group. We compared demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, and the gene resistance rate that point mutations A2063G and A2064G in the 23S rRNA between groups. Logistic regression was employed to determine the factors prompting a switch from macrolides to alternative antibiotics.

Results: The study included 551 cases, with 341 in the no adjustment group and 210 in the antibiotic adjustment group (54 switched to doxycycline, 156 to levofloxacin). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of resistance genes between the groups (71.8% vs. 71.4%; P=0.916). Significant differences were observed in hospital stay duration, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, fibrinogen, procalcitonin levels, and lung consolidation (P<0.05). Logistic regression identified elevated CRP and procalcitonin levels as independent predictors of the need for alternative antibiotics.

Conclusion: Resistance genes do not predict the need for second-line antibiotics in pediatric mycoplasma pneumonia; however, elevated CRP, and procalcitonin levels significantly correlate with this necessity.