Mycoplasma pneumoniae. One year's experience in an urban practice

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and exanthems

A review of the medical literature and two case reports of M. pneumoniae infections with exanthems are presented. Erythematous maculopapular and vesicular exanthems were most common. The duration of rash was more than seven days in the majority of instances, and most patients had associated pneumonia. A striking difference in prevalence and clinical symptomatology by sex was noted; 16 of 20 patients analyzed were males, and they frequently dad severe mucocutaneous syndromes. In contrast, severe conjunctivitis, generalized ulcerative stomatitis, and vesicular or bullous exanthems were not seen in females. Clinicians should suspect infection with M. pneumoniae in patients with exanthem and pneumonia, although other etiologic possibilities should also be considered.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in the United Kingdom--1967-73

A widespread epidemic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in the United Kingdom occurred over a 30-month period in 1970-72. A small epidemic may also have occurred in 1967-68. Though the incidence of M. pneumoniae infection is known to change from year to year in small communities, a varying epidemicity in the population of a country has not previously been demonstrated.As expected, lower respiratory tract infection was the most common manifestation of infection; and the highest attack rates were in children aged 5-9 years. Elderly persons appear to be affected uncommonly.