Current Practice in the Diagnosis and Management of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections: A Survey of Korean Physicians in 2024.

Authors

Young June Choe, Hyeon-Jong Yang, Joon Kee Lee, Hye-Kyung Cho, Heungsup Sung, Gwang Cheon Jang, In Young Yoo, Byung-Wook Eun, Soo-Han Choi, Byung Ok Kwak, Hwan Soo Kim, Eun Lee, Kyunghoon Kim, Eun-Ae Yang, Seo Hee Yoon, Bongjin Lee, Jeong-Yong Lee, Yae-Jean Kim

Published in

Journal of Korean medical science. Volume 41. Issue 36. Pages e229. Sep 14, 2026. Epub Sep 14, 2026.

Abstract

Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) is a growing concern in pediatric pneumonia. This study investigated current diagnostic and treatment practices for M. pneumoniae infections among Korean pediatricians, focusing on variations and challenges related to MRMP management.
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Korean pediatricians, including general pediatricians and subspecialists in September 2024. The survey assessed diagnostic methods, antibiotic choices, corticosteroid use, and factors influencing treatment decisions.
A total of 452 pediatricians participated in the survey. Polymerase chain reaction was the preferred diagnostic method (92.0%), although serologic tests were also commonly used (37.4%). Macrolides were the dominant first-line treatment (89.0%), with clarithromycin and roxithromycin being equally favored. Doxycycline was the most frequent second-line choice (67.0%). Corticosteroid use varied among specialties, with up to 94% of respondents using them occasionally or almost always. Treatment guidelines were the primary factor influencing antibiotic choices (76.5% for first-line, 59.7% for second-line).
This study reveals diverse practices and a need for standardized guidelines in managing M. pneumoniae infections, particularly in the context of rising MRMP prevalence. Clearer recommendations on diagnostic testing, antibiotic selection, and corticosteroid use are crucial to optimize patient care and mitigate the spread of resistance.

PMID:
42740660
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.