Analysis of the characteristics of mixed infections with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children

353 hospitalized children diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia were included in the study. They were divided into MP co-infection group and MP single infection group. 143 (40.5%) of the enrolled children had MP co-infections. The most common co-infecting pathogen was Rhinovirus (30.8%). Among the MP co-infections, 82 cases (57.3%) involved one pathogen, 44 cases (30.7%) involved two pathogens, 12 cases (8.4%) involved three pathogens, 4 cases (2.8%) involved four pathogens, and 1 case (0.7%) involved five pathogens. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of severe MP pneumonia, macrolide resistance, bronchial mucus plug, and hormone use, with P-values of 0.039, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.035. The MP mixed virus or bacteria infection group was more likely to develop drug resistance compared to the mixed virus and bacteria group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.046). The MP mixed virus and bacteria group was more likely to develop severe pneumonia compared to the mixed virus or bacteria infection group (P = 0.032 and P = 0.017). In conclusion, MP was most commonly co-infected with Rhinovirus. Children with MP co-infections tend to exhibit higher rates of macrolide resistance, require more frequent use of hormones, and are more likely to develop severe pneumonia and bronchial mucus plug.