Detection of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Characteristics in Pure Infections and Co-Infections

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia, exhibiting a periodic epidemic pattern. However, there is currently no research comparing the characteristics of co-infections in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This study aims to explore the epidemiological characteristics of co-infections associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and to assess the specific traits of laboratory findings utilizing targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) technology. A total of 104 patients diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia were included. Based on the results of targeted NGS testing, patients were divided into a group with pure Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection (46 cases) and a group with Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infected with other bacterial infections (58 cases). Data regarding demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, and targeted NGS results from bronchial lavage fluid during hospitalization were collected. Patients with pure Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection exhibited significant differences in lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels compared to those with Mycoplasma pneumoniae complicated by other infections (P < 0.05 for all). The rate of pure Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was higher in females than in males (P < 0.05). Older patients were more prone to pure Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, whereas younger patients were more likely to have Mycoplasma pneumoniae complicated by bacterial infections (P < 0.05 for both). Furthermore, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen associated with co-infections, particularly prevalent among children (P < 0.05). There are differences in age, gender, and laboratory test results between patients with pure Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and those with Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfections, with varying infection characteristics displayed among patients of different age groups.