Research progress on detection technologies for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a primary pathogen responsible for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), particularly prevalent among children and adolescents. The recent global resurgence of infection cases, coupled with the rapid dissemination of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP), underscores the critical clinical need for rapid and precise diagnostic technologies. This article systematically reviews the evolutionary trajectory of detection technologies, covering the transition from traditional culture and serological testing to modern molecular diagnostic techniques. It critically analyzes emerging platforms, including isothermal amplification, CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostics, microfluidic chips, and biosensors. It explores their potential in facilitating point-of-care testing (POCT) and simultaneous antimicrobial resistance profiling. Despite continuous technological advancements, challenges remain regarding the differentiation between active infection and colonization, as well as the balancing of cost-effectiveness. The future of M. pneumoniae diagnostics lies in the deep integration of multidisciplinary biotechnologies with artificial intelligence, aiming to construct intelligent "sample-to-answer" solutions to optimize clinical antimicrobial stewardship.