Comparative Analysis of Haematological, C-Reactive Protein, and Biochemical Markers in Paediatric Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Mono-Infection versus Co-Infections

Objective: To investigate the distinct patterns of haematological parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and biochemical markers in paediatric patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), comparing mono-infection to co-infections with Haemophilus influenzae (MPP-Hi) or influenza virus (MPP-Inf). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 140 paediatric patients with confirmed MPP. The patients were stratified into three groups: MPP mono-infection (n=64), MPP-Hi co-infection (n=36), and MPP-Inf co-infection (n=40). Clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters, including haematological profiles and CRP levels, were analysed and compared among the three groups. Results: The MPP-Hi co-infection group had significantly higher hypersensitive CRP levels (23.93 ± 21.26 mg/L) compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The MPP-Inf co-infection group showed significantly reduced white blood cell counts (7.25 ± 3.50 × 10⁹/L) and platelet counts (266.00 ± 97.46 × 10⁹/L). The MPP mono-infection group exhibited higher lymphocyte levels (39.64 ± 18.18%) compared to the other groups. The MPP-Inf co-infection group showed significantly higher monocyte levels (10.18 ± 3.29%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Distinct patterns in haematological and biochemical parameters exist among children with MPP mono- and co-infections. Elevated CRP levels, altered white blood cell profiles, and differential monocyte and lymphocyte levels may serve as potential diagnostic markers to distinguish between mono-infection and co-infections. Early identification of these patterns can facilitate more targeted and effective therapeutic interventions.