An epidemic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Manitoba: A Serological Report

Abstract

Objectives: To report an epidemic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Manitoba and to discuss the limitations of the serodiagnostic tests used.Design: A retrospective analysis of the results of a province-wide serological testing for respiratory infections caused by M pneumoniae, using a complement fixation test and an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test for the detection of immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies.Material: From April 1, 1987, to March 31, 1991, 12,804 sera were tested and a serological diagnosis of recent M pneumoniae infections were established in 509 (3.97%). From April 1 to September 30, 1991, an additional 2088 persons were tested; the 158 (7.5%) recent cases of M pneumoniae were subjected to analysis.Results: Compared with the previous three years, an increase in the number of recent cases of M pneumoniae was first noticed in July 1990 which persisted until September 1991. Of 856 single sera tested, 59 (6.8%) were recent M pneumoniae infections and 56 (96.1%) of these were positive for IgM antibodies. Of the 616 persons who submitted paired sera, 99 (16%) were recent infections, but only 46 (46.4%) had IgM antibodies. Primary infections (ie, positive for IgM antibodies) were detected in 102 (64.5%) and reinfections (ie, positive complement fixation test only) in the remaining 56 persons with recent M pneumoniae infections. Primary infections were detected more frequently in the ‘under 16’ than in the ‘over 16’ year age group (75% versus 55.8% of the recent cases of M pneumoniae in each age group). Reinfections were more common in the older age group. Of the 158 recent cases of M pneumoniae, 30.3% had a pneumonia; of these, 21 (55.2%) were under the age of 16 years.Discussion: M pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity. Serological tests are used for the diagnosis despite their limitations. The detection of IgM antibodies in acute serum establishes a diagnosis of primary M pneumoniae; however, their absence does not exclude M pneumoniae. A second (convalescent) blood test is required to diagnose all primary infections. To diagnose all reinfections, paired sera should be tested by complement fixation.Summary: Manitoba experienced an epidemic of M pneumoniae in 1990–91. Properly selected serological tests can provide a specific and rapid diagnosis.