The Clinical Profile of Pediatric M. pneumoniae Infections in the Context of a New Post-Pandemic Wave

<i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> is an atypical bacterium with a tropism for the respiratory tract, but it can also cause numerous extrapulmonary involvements. The incidence of high rates varies in epidemiological waves, occurring at a frequency of 3-7 years. Since the end of 2023, an increase in the incidence of <i>M. pneumoniae</i> infection cases has been noted internationally. We conducted a retrospective study of children hospitalized and confirmed with <i>M. pneumoniae</i> infection in our clinic during the last two epidemiological peaks. We retrieved data from the hospital database and divided the patients into two groups, corresponding to the years 2018-2019 and 2023-2024, respectively. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportions. In the years 2023-2024, we observed a higher incidence of patients with respiratory failure (<i>p</i> = 0.032), pleural reaction (<i>p</i> = 0.016), and pulmonary consolidation (<i>p</i> = 0.016) compared to the group in the years 2018-2019. Gastrointestinal involvement was more frequent in the years 2018-2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.004). The incidence of other extrapulmonary complications did not show significant differences. Infection with <i>M. pneumoniae</i> has varied clinical manifestations. In patients with community-acquired pneumonia, even in cases of consolidation, the possibility of infection with <i>M. pneumoniae</i> must also be considered.