Molecular Characterization of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Two Rural Populations of Thailand from 2009 to 2012

Abstract

Studies on <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> in Thailand have focused on urban centers and have not included molecular characterization. In an attempt to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this organism, we conducted a systematic random sampling to identify 3,000 nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected from January 2009 through July 2012 during population-based surveillance for influenza-like illness in two rural provinces. <i>M. pneumoniae</i> was detected by real-time PCR in 175 (5.8%) specimens. Genotyping was performed using the major adhesion protein (P1) and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). Of the 157 specimens typed, 97 were P1 type 1 and 60 were P1 type 2. Six different MLVA profiles were identified in 149 specimens, with 4/5/7/2 (40%) and 3/5/6/2 (26%) predominating. There was no discrete seasonality to <i>M. pneumoniae</i> infections. Examination of the 23S rRNA sequence for known polymorphisms conferring macrolide resistance revealed that all 141 tested to possess the genotype associated with macrolide susceptibility.