All issues > Volume 42(2); 1999

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1999;42(2):173-179. Published online February 15, 1999.

Significance of Polymerase Chain Reaction Test for Diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

Hae-kyung HK Lim¹, Young-Hun YH Chung¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Taejeon, Korea

Abstract

Purpose
: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of lower respiratory disease, especially in children and young adults. The diagnosis, in most cases, is confirmed by serology. M. pneumoniae is difficult to culture because of its fastidious nature, and growth is too slow for diagnostic use. In this prospective study, the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay was evaluated with clinical samples.
Methods
: We compared the nested PCR test with serological findings for detection of M. pneumoniae in clinical samples(sputum or throat swabs), obtained from 58 pneumonic children who were admitted to the pediatric department of Chungnam National University Hospital between February and September, 1997.
Results
: Among 28 mycoplasma antibody positive cases, the number of positive cases of cold agglutinin test were 20. So sensitivity and specificity of cold agglutinin test were 71.4% and 80.0%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of cold agglutinin test were of 76.9% and 75.0%. Among 28 mycoplasma antibody positive cases, the number of positive cases of M. pneumoniae nested PCR were 26 cases. So sensitivity and specificity of M. pneumoniae nested PCR were of 92.8% and 100.0%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were of 100.0% and 93.7%. Four cases showing negative antibody, in acute phase serum and positive in convalescent, revealed positive for nested PCR test.
Conclusion
: It is concluded that nested PCR assay is a highly sensitive, specific test and is fast enough to allow for the early application of therapy with specific antibiotics.

Keywords :Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Nested polymerase chain reaction(PCR)