Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Infection of the upper air way

Abstract

Introduction. Acute infections of the upper air ways (IRAs) are a common problem in medical consultations. Its initial clinic is unspecific, hindering the determination of an etiologic agent. Studies reveal a prevalence of viral etiologic predominance, however, recent investigations demonstrate that atypical bacteria, mainly Mycoplasma pneumoniae, play an important role as a cause for IRAs. The infectious diagnosis by M pneumoniae is made by direct methods (culture broths and/or RCP) or indirect ones (serology). Objetives. To demonstrate the incidence of M pneumoniae as cause of upper IRA. To recognize the clinical characteristics of the infection by M pneumoniae in upper IRA. Material and methods. Cross descriptive study. Eleven patients registered with upper respiratory symptomatology in Clínica Indisa, during October 2003 and September 2005. The clinical, radiological and serologic detection clinical M pneumoniae manifestations were studied through the swift ELISA method. They were classified whether they complied or not with pharyngitis criteria. Results. Seven patients (63%) with high IRA and 4 with pharyngitis. M pneumoniae (+) detection in 5 children and 2 adults, all of them with upper IRA diagnosis. The most frequent manifestations of this group were: cough, rhinorrhea and odinophagia. Conclusion. M pneumoniae plays an important role as etiologic agent for IRA, both in children and in adults. Its main clinical presentation corresponds to upper IRA. It is important to stress that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of M pneumoniae infection modify its natural history, and at the same time reduce extrapulmonary manifestations and its dissemination in the community.