Global molecular epidemiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and its association with macrolide resistance and disease severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Xinyue Zhu, Yuyi Tang, Karen Spruyt et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the global distribution of Mycoplasma pneumoniae genotypes and their associations with macrolide resistance and disease severity among infected patients. Across 116 studies, P1-1 and MLVA type 4572 predominated in the Western Pacific and European regions, while ST3 was predominant in the Western Pacific. P1-1 and 4572 were more common in the Western Pacific and in children than in other regions and adults, respectively. Macrolide resistance rates were highest in P1-1, 4572, and ST3. No association between P1 genotype and disease severity was detected, but statistical power was limited.
Key findings
- A total of 116 studies met the review criteria.
- P1-1 and MLVA type 4572 predominated in the Western Pacific and European regions; ST3 predominated in the Western Pacific.
- Macrolide resistance rates were highest in P1-1, 4572, and ST3 genotypes.
- No association between P1 genotype and disease severity was detected; limited sample size constrained statistical power.
Why it matters
The findings show that M. pneumoniae genotype distributions vary by region and age, and that resistance rates differ across genotypes. These patterns can inform interpretation of molecular surveillance data. However, the review did not establish a relationship between P1 genotype and disease severity, so genotype alone should not be taken as an indicator of clinical severity.
What to keep in mind
The authors report that limited sample size restricted statistical power to assess the association between P1 genotypes and disease severity.