RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Since the end of 2023, an elevated incidence and severity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections among children in Asia has been noted. Subsequently, this trend was observed in several European countries although limited data are currently available. We conducted a national study to delineate the ongoing M. pneumoniae outbreak in our country. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted across 32 hospitals in Spain, encompassing patients under 18 years old hospitalized for M. pneumoniae infection from January 2023 to March 2024. Infection was confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction and/or by 2 serological tests. RESULTS: A total of 623 children were included, with 79% of cases diagnosed in the final 3 months of the study period. Pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (87%). Respiratory symptoms were present in 97% of cases, with 62% requiring oxygen supplementation and 14% requiring admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Risk factors for PICU admission included the presence of neurological symptoms, hypoxemia and a history of prematurity. Children admitted to the PICU exhibited significantly higher neutrophil counts upon admission. CONCLUSIONS: We have observed a notable increase in hospital admissions, including PICU support by up to 14%, due to M. pneumoniae infection in our country since November 2023, indicative of a more severe clinical course associated with this pathogen.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Salmonella , Animales , Humanos , Lactante , Infecciones por Salmonella/diagnóstico , ReptilesRESUMEN
Rothia mucilaginosa, previously known as Stomatococcus mucilaginosus, is a Gram-positive coccus that is part of the oropharyngeal microbiota and upper respiratory tract. It is mainly related to infections in immunosuppressed patients. Given its complex microbiological identification, its prevalence may be underestimated. We describe in this article a case of bacteraemia by Rothia in an immunocompetent paediatric patient without epidemiological or medical relevant history. In the available literature no cases of bacteraemia by Rothia mucilaginosa in immunocompetent paediatric patients have been reported. Given the characteristics of our patient, the publication of this case is of interest. Once the diagnosis of Rothia mucilaginosa has been made, the correct functioning of the immune system of the patient should be checked.