Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults with community acquired pneumonia: challenges and risks

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important atypical micro- organism that causes community-acquired pneumonia (1). These atypical microorganisms are responsible for 7–20% of community-acquired pneumonia cases, yet β-lactam agents are not effective against M. pneumoniae because it lacks a rigid cell wall. Currently, macrolides are considered as first line agents to treat atypical communi- ty-acquired pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae, while res- piratory fluoroquinolones (such as levofloxacin), and tet- racyclines are alternative treatment options (2). However, macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae is growing globally and the prevalence rate shows variations across coun- tries and regions. Epidemiologic studies have shown that the macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae rate is between 0% and 15% in the United States of America, while reaching 100% in Asia, with resistance more dominant in low and middle-income countries (