Mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia spp. Infection in community-acquired pneumonia, Germany, 2011–2012

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia spp., which are associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), are diffcult to propagate, and can cause clinically indistinguish able disease patterns. During 2011-2012, we used molecu lar methods to test adult patients in Germany with confrmed CAP for infection with these 2 pathogens. Overall, 12.3% (96/783) of samples were positive for M. pneumoniae and 3.9% (31/794) were positive for Chlamydia spp.; C. psittaci (2.1%) was detected more frequently than C. pneumoniae (1.4%). M. pneumoniae P1 type 1 predominated, and lev els of macrolide resistance were low (3.1%). Quarterly rates of M. pneumoniae-positive samples ranged from 1.5% to 27.3%, showing a strong epidemic peakforthese infections, but of Chlamydia spp. detection was consistent throughout the year. M. pneumoniae-positive patients were younger and more frequently female, had fewer co-occurring condi tions, and experienced milder disease than did patients who tested negative. Clinicians should be aware of the epidemi- ology of these pathogens in CAP.