Abstract
Abstract
Background
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
(
MP
) is a major cause of pediatric respiratory infections, characterized by cyclical epidemics and age- and season-specific patterns. However, long-term epidemiological data spanning multiple epidemic cycles are limited.
Methods
We conducted a 20-year retrospective study of children (MP
testing at Children's hospital of Soochow University from October 2005 to December 2025.
MP
infection was defined by positive PCR and/or serological evidence. Positivity was analyzed by age, sex, season, calendar period, and COVID-19 pandemic phase.
Results
Among 51,399 specimens, 16,086 were
MP
-positive (31.30%). Epidemic peaks recurred approximately every 3 ~ 5 years. A stable age-dependent gradient was observed, with highest positivity in children ≥ 7 years (51.73%) and lowest in infants MP
demonstrated clear seasonality, predominating in summer and autumn; recent autumn peaks attenuated, whereas summer predominance persisted. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
MP
positivity declined markedly across all ages, followed by a partial rebound, particularly in children ≥ 3 years.
Conclusions
Pediatric
MP
infection exhibits recurrent epidemic cycles, stable age dependency, and evolving seasonal dynamics. Sustained long-term surveillance is essential to inform clinical preparedness and public health strategies.
Clinical trial number
Not applicable.