Association of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia and Allergy in Preschool Children

Choe, Jeong Hoon; Shin, Young Kyoo; Lee, Kee Hyoung; Choung, Ji Tae; Park, Sang Hee; Tockgo, Young Chang

Abstract

PURPOSE
To clarify whether Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced respiratory infections are associated with allergic disorder.
METHODS
We studied ninety-two preschool children with pneumonia who were hospitalized at the pediatric ward of Korea University Medical Center from December 1995 to June 1997. Patients who had evidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection(Group I) were compared with non-infected group(Group II) in terms of serologic parameters, ie, eosinophil count, total IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE levels and specific IgE(MAST).
RESULTS
1) Number of Group I was 46(male 23, female 23, mean age=3.4 years old), and that of Group II was also 46(male 29, female 17, mean age=3.4 years old). There was no age difference between two groups. 2) Total eosinophil count in Group I(185.0+/-179.3/mm3) was significantly higher than that of Group II(123.3+/-148.3/mm3)(P<0.05). 3) Total IgE in Group I(245.4+/-279.2IU/mL) was significantly higher than that of Group II(135.1+/-207.8IU/mL)(P<0.05). 4) Higher levels of IgG, IgM, and IgA were observed in the group I as compared to a non-infected group, but there were no significant differences between two groups. 5) Positive rates of specific IgE(MAST) in each group were not significantly different.
CONCLUSIONS
We concluded that Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in preschool children is highly associated with allergy, and follow-up studies are expected to know the occurrence rate of allergic disease in children with a previous history of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.