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Dillen H, Wouters J, Snijders D, Wynants L, Verbakel JY. Factors associated with inappropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions for acutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:498-511. [PMID: 38113395 PMCID: PMC10904728 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acutely ill children are at risk of unwarranted antibiotic prescribing. Data on the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions provide insights into potential tailored interventions to promote antibiotic stewardship. OBJECTIVES To examine factors associated with the inappropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions for acutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care in high-income countries. METHODS On 8 September 2022, we systematically searched articles published since 2002 in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and grey literature databases. We included studies with acutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care settings in high-income countries reporting on the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled ORs were calculated using random-effects models. Meta-regression, sensitivity and subgroup analysis were also performed. RESULTS We included 40 articles reporting on 30 different factors and their association with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. 'Appropriateness' covered a wide range of definitions. The following factors were associated with increased inappropriate antibiotic prescribing: acute otitis media diagnosis [pooled OR (95% CI): 2.02 (0.54-7.48)], GP [pooled OR (95% CI) 1.38 (1.00-1.89)] and rural setting [pooled OR (95% CI) 1.47 (1.08-2.02)]. Older patient age and a respiratory tract infection diagnosis have a tendency to be positively associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, but pooling of studies was not possible. CONCLUSIONS Prioritizing acute otitis media, GPs, rural areas, older children and respiratory tract infections within antimicrobial stewardship programmes plays a vital role in promoting responsible antibiotic prescribing. The implementation of a standardized definition of appropriateness is essential to evaluate such programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore Dillen
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Academic Centre for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Jo Wouters
- Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, 49 Herestraat, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Daniëlle Snijders
- Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, 49 Herestraat, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Laure Wynants
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 1 Peter Debyeplein, Maastricht, 6229 HA, The Netherlands
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 49 Herestraat, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Academic Centre for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 7 Kapucijnenvoer, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and IVD cooperative, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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Rodman Berlot J, Dolenc Š, Krivec U, Keše D. Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiographic Features Can Help Predict Mycoplasma pneumoniae Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1358. [PMID: 37317331 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children that is difficult to distinguish from LRTI of other etiologies. We aimed to determine if a combination of clinical, laboratory, and chest radiographic features can help identify patients at higher risk of Mp LRTI. We reviewed medical charts of children referred to our tertiary hospital with suspected acute mycoplasmal LRTI. Pharyngeal swabs obtained from patients were tested by Mp PCR. We compared epidemiological and clinical data of children with positive and negative Mp PCR results. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to predict Mp LRTI based on the patient's age, duration of symptoms, presence of extrapulmonary manifestations, laboratory findings, and chest radiographic findings. We included 65 children with Mp PCR-negative and 49 with Mp PCR-positive LRTI and no viral co-detection. Children with Mp LRTI were older (median age 5.8 vs. 2.2 years, p < 0.001), had a longer duration of symptoms on referral (median 7 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001), and lower median WBC (9.9 vs. 12.7 × 109/L, p < 0.001). On chest radiograph, unilateral infiltrates were more frequently observed in the Mp PCR-positive group (57.5% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.001). Age, duration of symptoms, and chest radiographic findings had the highest predictive value for Mp LRTI in a multivariable logistic regression model. Our analysis suggests that a combination of clinical, laboratory, and chest radiographic features can be used to assess the likelihood of Mp LRTI and assist in decision-making for which children need further tests or macrolide antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Rodman Berlot
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Dolenc
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krivec
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Keše
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae among Chinese Outpatient Children with Mild Respiratory Tract Infections during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0155021. [PMID: 35138173 PMCID: PMC8826743 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01550-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common pathogen causing respiratory disease in children. We sought to investigate the epidemiology of M. pneumoniae among outpatient children with mild respiratory tract infections (RTIs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Eligible patients were prospectively enrolled from January 2020 to June 2021. Throat swabs were tested for M. pneumoniae RNA. M. pneumoniae IgM was tested by a colloidal gold assay. Macrolide resistance and the effect of the COVID-19 countermeasures on M. pneumoniae prevalence were assessed. Symptom scores, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated. Eight hundred sixty-two eligible children at 15 centers in China were enrolled. M. pneumoniae was detected in 78 (9.0%) patients. Seasonally, M. pneumoniae peaked in the first spring and dropped dramatically to extremely low levels over time until the next summer. Decreases in COVID-19 prevalence were significantly associated with decreases in M. pneumoniae prevalence (r = 0.76, P = 0.001). The macrolide resistance rate was 7.7%. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the colloidal gold assay used in determining M. pneumoniae infection were 32.1% and 77.9%, respectively. No more benefits for improving the severity of symptoms and outcomes were observed in M. pneumoniae-infected patients treated with a macrolide than in those not treated with a macrolide during follow-up. The prevalences of M. pneumoniae and macrolide resistance in outpatient children with mild RTIs were at low levels in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic but may have rebounded recently. The colloidal gold assay for M. pneumoniae IgM may be not appropriate for diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection. Macrolides should be used with caution among outpatients with mild RTIs. IMPORTANCE This is the first and largest prospective, multicenter, active, population-based surveillance study of the epidemiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among outpatient children with mild respiratory tract infections (RTIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide measures like strict face mask wearing and restrictions on population movement implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 might also effectively prevent the spread of M. pneumoniae. The prevalence of M. pneumoniae and the proportion of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae isolates in outpatient children with mild RTIs were at low levels in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic but may have rebounded recently. The colloidal gold assay for M. pneumoniae IgM may be not appropriate for screening and diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection. Macrolides should be used with caution among outpatients with mild RTIs.
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Skosana PP, Schellack N, Godman B, Kurdi A, Bennie M, Kruger D, Meyer JC. A national, multicentre web-based point prevalence survey of antimicrobial use and quality indices among hospitalised paediatric patients across South Africa. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 29:542-550. [PMID: 34915203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data on antimicrobial consumption among the paediatric population in public hospitals in South Africa is limited. These needs to be addressed to improve future use and reduce antimicrobial resistance rates. Consequently, the objective is to quantify antimicrobial usage;and identify and classify which antimicrobials are used in the peadiatric population in public sector hospitals in South Africa according to World Health Organiosation (WHO) AWaRe list of antimicrobials METHODS: Conduct a point prevalence survey among 18 public sector hospitals from nine provinces using a newly developed web-based application. The data will be analysed according to the WHO AwaRe list to guide future quality improvement programmes. RESULTS 1261 paediatric patient files were reviewed with 49.7% (627/1261) receiving at least one antimicrobial, with 1013 antimicrobials prescribed overall. The top five antimicrobials included ampicillin (16.4%), gentamycin (10.0%), amoxicillin and enzyme inhibitor (9.6%), ceftriaxone (7.4%), and amikacin (6.3%). Antimicrobials from the Access classification were the most used (55.9%) with 3.1% being from the Reserve classification. The most common infectious conditions were pneumonia (21.3%; 148/1013) and clinical sepsis (16.0%; 111/1013). Parenteral administration (75.6%) and prolonged surgical prophylaxis (66.7%; 10/15) were common and concerns. 28% of the paediatric patients had cultures requested for them before antimicrobial treatment (284/1013) however only 38.7% (110/284) of culture results were available in the files. CONCLUSION Overall, antimicrobial prescribing is common among paediatric patients in South Africa. Interventions should be targeted at improving antimicrobial prescribing, including surgical prophylaxis, and encouraging greater use of oral antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Skosana
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - N Schellack
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - B Godman
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, South Africa; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK; Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - A Kurdi
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, South Africa; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK; Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - M Bennie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
| | - D Kruger
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - J C Meyer
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq.
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Kricker JA, Page CP, Gardarsson FR, Baldursson O, Gudjonsson T, Parnham MJ. Nonantimicrobial Actions of Macrolides: Overview and Perspectives for Future Development. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:233-262. [PMID: 34716226 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrolides are among the most widely prescribed broad spectrum antibacterials, particularly for respiratory infections. It is now recognized that these drugs, in particular azithromycin, also exert time-dependent immunomodulatory actions that contribute to their therapeutic benefit in both infectious and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Their increased chronic use in airway inflammation and, more recently, of azithromycin in COVID-19, however, has led to a rise in bacterial resistance. An additional crucial aspect of chronic airway inflammation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as other inflammatory disorders, is the loss of epithelial barrier protection against pathogens and pollutants. In recent years, azithromycin has been shown with time to enhance the barrier properties of airway epithelial cells, an action that makes an important contribution to its therapeutic efficacy. In this article, we review the background and evidence for various immunomodulatory and time-dependent actions of macrolides on inflammatory processes and on the epithelium and highlight novel nonantibacterial macrolides that are being studied for immunomodulatory and barrier-strengthening properties to circumvent the risk of bacterial resistance that occurs with macrolide antibacterials. We also briefly review the clinical effects of macrolides in respiratory and other inflammatory diseases associated with epithelial injury and propose that the beneficial epithelial effects of nonantibacterial azithromycin derivatives in chronic inflammation, even given prophylactically, are likely to gain increasing attention in the future. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Based on its immunomodulatory properties and ability to enhance the protective role of the lung epithelium against pathogens, azithromycin has proven superior to other macrolides in treating chronic respiratory inflammation. A nonantibiotic azithromycin derivative is likely to offer prophylactic benefits against inflammation and epithelial damage of differing causes while preserving the use of macrolides as antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Kricker
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Clive P Page
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Fridrik Runar Gardarsson
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Olafur Baldursson
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Thorarinn Gudjonsson
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Michael J Parnham
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
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Warris A. Macrolides (alone or in combination) should be used as first-line empirical therapy of community-acquired pneumonia in children: myth or maxim? Breathe (Sheff) 2021; 17:210056. [PMID: 35035545 PMCID: PMC8753631 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0056-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrolides should not be used as first-line therapy for community-acquired pneumonia in children as no clinical benefit is shown and widespread use is associated with an emerging increase in macrolide resistance amongst S. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae https://bit.ly/3yQuedF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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van Aerde KJ, de Haan L, van Leur M, Gerrits GP, Schers H, Moll HA, Hagedoorn NN, Herberg JA, Levin M, Rivero-Calle I, de Jonge MI, de Groot R, van der Flier M. Respiratory Tract Infection Management and Antibiotic Prescription in Children: A Unique Study Comparing Three Levels of Healthcare in The Netherlands. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2021; 40:e100-e105. [PMID: 33395212 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in children with febrile illness visiting the general practitioner (GP) or emergency department. We studied the management of children with fever and RTI at 3 different levels of healthcare in The Netherlands, focusing on antibiotic prescription. METHODS This prospective observational study is part of the Management and Outcome of Febrile children in Europe study. Data were used from face-to-face patient contacts of children with febrile illness in three healthcare settings in Nijmegen, The Netherlands during 2017. These settings were primary (GP), secondary (general hospital) and tertiary care (university hospital). RESULTS Of 892 cases with RTI without complex comorbidities, overall antibiotic prescription rates were 29% with no differences between the 3 levels of healthcare, leading to an absolute number of 5031 prescriptions per 100,000 children per year in primary care compared with 146 in secondary and tertiary care combined. The prescription rate in otitis media was similar in all levels: 60%. In cases with lower RTI who received nebulizations prescription rates varied between 19% and 55%. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic prescription rates for RTIs in children were comparable between the 3 levels of healthcare, thus leading to a majority of antibiotics being prescribed in primary care. Relatively high prescription rates for all foci of RTIs were found, which was not in agreement with the national guidelines. Antibiotic stewardship needs improvement at all 3 levels of healthcare. Guidelines to prescribe small spectrum antibiotics for RTIs need to be better implemented in hospital care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen J van Aerde
- From the Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center
| | - Liza de Haan
- Department of Pediatrics, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital
| | | | | | - Henk Schers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, FaME-Net, Nijmegen
| | - Henriette A Moll
- Department of General Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke N Hagedoorn
- Department of General Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jethro A Herberg
- Section of Pediatrics, Imperial College
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Levin
- Section of Pediatrics, Imperial College
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Rivero-Calle
- Genetics, Vaccines, Infections and Pediatrics Research group (GENVIP), Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marien I de Jonge
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
- Genetics, Vaccines, Infections and Pediatrics Research group (GENVIP), Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Abstract
The major pathogens that cause atypical pneumonia are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by M. pneumoniae or C. pneumoniae is common in children and presents as a relatively mild and self-limiting disease. CAP due to L. pneumophila is very rare in children and progresses rapidly, with fatal outcomes if not treated early. M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and L. pneumophila have no cell walls; therefore, they do not respond to β-lactam antibiotics. Accordingly, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones are the treatments of choice for atypical pneumonia. Macrolides are the first-line antibiotics used in children because of their low minimum inhibitory concentrations and high safety. The incidence of pneumonia caused by macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae that harbors point mutations has been increasing since 2000, particularly in Korea, Japan, and China. The marked increase in macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MRMP) is partly attributed to the excessive use of macrolides. MRMP does not always lead to clinical nonresponsiveness to macrolides. Furthermore, severe complicated MRMP responds to corticosteroids without requiring a change in antibiotic. This implies that the hyper-inflammatory status of the host can induce clinically refractory pneumonia regardless of mutation. Empirical macrolide therapy in children with mild to moderate CAP, particularly during periods without M. pneumoniae epidemics, may not provide additional benefits over β-lactam monotherapy and can increase the risk of MRMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yeon Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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