Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Hospitalized Patients with Respiratory Tract Infection in Marrakech 2018

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a commonly causative pathogen for Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children and adult with RTIs and clinical, radiological features. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 338 consecutive RTIs patients (children and adults) who visited a teaching hospital from January to December 2018. M. pneumoniae was detected by real-time multiplex PCR in nasopharyngeal aspirates. Results: Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia was diagnosed in 3.55% of all respiratory tract infection investigated. The median (IQR) age was 6.48 years (range from 14 days to 36 years), most of the patients were children with clinical symptoms of RTIs (11/12). A cough (100%) and fever (66.66%) were more frequent symptoms observed in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Conclusion: M. pneumoniae is a significant cause of LRTI in children and adult but still not a major respiratory pathogen with a low rate in Morocco and cause infection difficult to distinguish from a respiratory infection caused by other respiratory pathogens.