The Post-Pandemic Return of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Why Children Matter and What Clinicians Should Know
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections declined sharply during COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions but have resurged in multiple regions after restrictions were lifted. This narrative Perspective synthesizes recent epidemiologic and molecular observations and emphasizes children as a key reservoir sustaining community transmission. We highlight how asymptomatic carriage and prolonged upper-airway detection complicate interpretation of PCR results, and we discuss the clinical implications of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP), including pragmatic, age-stratified management considerations. Finally, we outline priorities for surveillance and for translating genomic signals into simplified clinical pathways, particularly in high-MRMP settings.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
Respiratory viral infections research
Bacterial Infections and Vaccines
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1644–1644
- Publication date
- 22 February 2026
- Language
- EN