Recent Global Trends of Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Why Has the Macrolide-resistant Rate Decreased in Japan?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia incidence was much decreased worldwide from 2020 to 2023 due to global infection control measures against the novel coronavirus epidemic. However, it resurfaced in the second half of 2023 following the relaxation of infection control measures, and the threat of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae has reemerged, especially in East Asian countries. A reduction of the rate of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae was seen in Japan and a part of Taiwan during the pandemic, so it is important to minimize selection pressure favoring macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae by avoiding overuse of macrolides.