High Prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae in Children with Acute Respiratory Infections from Lima, Peru

摘要

BackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are atypical pathogens responsiblefor pneumonia and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low income countries. Thestudy objective is to determine the prevalence of this pathogens in Peruvian children withacute respiratory infections.MethodsA consecutive cross-sectional study was conducted in Lima, Peru from May 2009 to September2010. A total of 675 children admitted with clinical diagnoses of acute respiratory infectionswere tested for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae detection by polymerasechain reaction (PCR), and clinical symptoms were registered by the attending physician.ResultsMycoplasma pneumonia was detected in 25.19% (170/675) of nasopharyngeal samplesand Chlamydia pneumonia in 10.52% (71/675). The most common symptoms in patientswith these atypical pathogens were rhinorrhea, cough and fever. A higher prevalence ofMycoplasma pneumoniae cases were registered in summer, between December 2009 andMarch 2010.ConclusionsMycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumonia are a significant cause of morbidity inPeruvian children with acute respiratory infections (ARI). Further studies should evaluatethe use of reliable techniques such as PCR in Peru in order to avoid underdiagnoses ofthese atypical pathogens.