Most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in children requiring hospitalisation (Clin Infect Dis 2019) – relatively older children (5+ yrs), more likely to have had recent antibiotics but otherwise clinically indistinguishable.
Studies have indicated that the prevalence of M. pneumoniae in the upper respiratory tract (PCR) is similar among asymptomatic, healthy children and children with a symptomatic respiratory tract infection! Current diagnostic procedures for M. pneumoniae are unable to differentiate between bacterial carriage and infection!
Note rapid worldwide emergence of macrolide-resistant (MRMP) isolates.
Meyer Sauteur PM; van Rossum AM; Vink C. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 27(3):220-7, 2014 Jun. PMID UI: 24751894