Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia: Variety of Presentation in Children Case Series

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia remains a significant concern in paediatrics, commonly presenting with prolonged fever, cough, lethargy, and respiratory distress. A recent global resurgence of MP pneumonia post Covid-19 pandemic with macrolide resistant MP posed a major treatment challenge. In this case series, five out of six patients required oxygen, while two developed necrotizing pneumonia and one had bronchiolitis obliterans as a sequelae of MP pneumonia. Recent rise in severe and refractory MP pneumonia highlights the need for improved diagnostic and resistance testing, particularly through rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Timely identification and intervention of severe infection is important to avoid sequelae. Management should include appropriate antibiotics, supportive care, and corticosteroids when indicated. Severe cases may require early referral to a paediatric intensive care unit, as well as input from infectious disease and pulmonology specialists.