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Case Report: Positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM does not necessarily indicate acute infection: two case studies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background We aimed to explore the duration of IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Methods Data from two children who consistently tested positive for M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies were retrospectively analyzed. Moreover, we examined the etiological data and drug use of these cases. Serologic testing using the colloidal gold method, direct chemiluminescence technique, and specific immune agglutination test were utilized. Quantitative PCR was used to detect M. pneumoniae in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and antigen tests and nucleic acid detection were conducted for other respiratory pathogens. Results The serological positivity of M. pneumoniae IgM antibody persisted for nearly ten months in one child and more than fifteen months in the other child. Furthermore, the persistently positive M. pneumoniae IgM antibody tests led to the inappropriate use of macrolides during multiple hospitalizations. Conclusions IgM antibodies against M. pneumoniae may remain positive for an extended duration. Therefore, a positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test does not necessarily indicate the presence of an acute infection.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1520021

Authors: Hao Wang, Xiaoying Liu, Yabin Wu, Xin Cao, Jie Liu, Wei Li

Institutions: Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Women and Children's Hospital, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Microbial infections and disease research

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801