Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, 11 countries in Europe and Israel, 2011 to 2016

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia, with large epidemics previously described to occur every 4 to 7 years. Aim: To better understand the diagnostic methods used to detect M. pneumoniae; to better understand M. pneumoniae testing and surveillance in use; to identify epidemics; to determine detection number per age group, age demographics for positive detections, concurrence of epidemics and annual peaks across geographical areas; and to determine the effect of geographical location on the timing of epidemics. Methods: A questionnaire was sent in May 2016 to Mycoplasma experts with national or regional responsibility within the ESCMID Study Group for Mycoplasma and Chlamydia Infections in 17 countries across Europe and Israel, retrospectively requesting details on M. pneumoniae-positive samples from January 2011 to April 2016. The Moving Epidemic Method was used to determine epidemic periods and effect of country latitude across the countries for the five periods under investigation. Results: Representatives from 12 countries provided data on M. pneumoniae infections, accounting for 95,666 positive samples. Two laboratories initiated routine macrolide resistance testing since 2013. Between 2011 and 2016, three epidemics were identified: 2011/12, 2014/15 and 2015/16. The distribution of patient ages for M. pneumoniae-positive samples showed three patterns. During epidemic years, an association between country latitude and calendar week when epidemic periods began was noted. Conclusions: An association between epidemics and latitude was observed. Differences were noted in the age distribution of positive cases and detection methods used and practice. A lack of macrolide resistance monitoring was noted

Molecular detection and epidemiological studies of atypical bacteria causing respiratory tract infections

Respiratory infections are common causes of morbidity and mortality. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis cause respiratory infection, often with similar symptoms. Molecular diagnostic methods are preferred since these bacteria are difficult to culture. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate and improve the diagnostics and knowledge of the epidemiology of these bacteria. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method targeting the IS481 element present in the genome of B. pertussis was compared to culture and serology results, and a duplex real-time PCR method was constructed for detecting C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae, which was compared to two endpoint PCR methods. Both real-time PCR methods showed high sensitivity and specificity. Typing of 624 M. pneumoniae samples, collected from 1996 to 2017 from four counties, was performed by P1 typing and multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). A polyclonal distribution of strains was seen over all epidemic periods, but strains of P1 type 2/variant 2 and MLVA types 3-5-6-2 and 4-5-7-2 predominated in 2010−2013. A shift from type 2 strains to different variant 2 strains was seen and a new variant, 2e, was detected in 2016−2017. An A2063G mutation associated with macrolide resistance was detected by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) PCR method in one (0.16%) of 608 M. pneumoniae strains. Molecular characterisation using whole-genome sequencing of 93 B. pertussis isolates, collected between 1986 and 2016 from three counties showed that there were polyclonal strains in the county of Dalarna, Gävleborg and Uppsala in the years 2014−2016. Changes in virulence-related genes were detected: a shift from isolates harbouring the ptxP3 allele in favour of ptxP1 was seen, and almost all isolates had a disrupted prn gene. No detection of macrolide resistance in B. pertussis was detected. In conclusion, the validated real-time PCR methods for detection of B. pertussis, C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae have led to improved diagnostic methods for use in clinical laboratories. The molecular characterisation of M. pneumoniae and B. pertussis strains has contributed to the wider understanding of the genetic changes that has occurred over the epidemic periods, but further studies is needed

Molecular detection and epidemiological studies of atypical bacteria causing respiratory tract infections

Respiratory infections are common causes of morbidity and mortality. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis cause respiratory infection, often with similar symptoms. Molecular diagnostic methods are preferred since these bacteria are difficult to culture. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate and improve the diagnostics and knowledge of the epidemiology of these bacteria. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method targeting the IS481 element present in the genome of B. pertussis was compared to culture and serology results, and a duplex real-time PCR method was constructed for detecting C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae, which was compared to two endpoint PCR methods. Both real-time PCR methods showed high sensitivity and specificity. Typing of 624 M. pneumoniae samples, collected from 1996 to 2017 from four counties, was performed by P1 typing and multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). A polyclonal distribution of strains was seen over all epidemic periods, but strains of P1 type 2/variant 2 and MLVA types 3-5-6-2 and 4-5-7-2 predominated in 2010−2013. A shift from type 2 strains to different variant 2 strains was seen and a new variant, 2e, was detected in 2016−2017. An A2063G mutation associated with macrolide resistance was detected by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) PCR method in one (0.16%) of 608 M. pneumoniae strains. Molecular characterisation using whole-genome sequencing of 93 B. pertussis isolates, collected between 1986 and 2016 from three counties showed that there were polyclonal strains in the county of Dalarna, Gävleborg and Uppsala in the years 2014−2016. Changes in virulence-related genes were detected: a shift from isolates harbouring the ptxP3 allele in favour of ptxP1 was seen, and almost all isolates had a disrupted prn gene. No detection of macrolide resistance in B. pertussis was detected. In conclusion, the validated real-time PCR methods for detection of B. pertussis, C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae have led to improved diagnostic methods for use in clinical laboratories. The molecular characterisation of M. pneumoniae and B. pertussis strains has contributed to the wider understanding of the genetic changes that has occurred over the epidemic periods, but further studies is needed

No detection of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae from Swedish patients, 1996–2013

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections which can cause life-threatening pneumonia and serious extrapulmonary manifestations. Since the year 2000, the emergence of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains has increased with varying incidences across countries. In China more than 90% of the strains are resistant. M. pneumoniae diagnostics is mostly done with molecular methods, and in Sweden antibiotic resistance surveillance is not routinely performed. The prevalence of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae has not previously been studied in Sweden. Material and methods: A total of 563 M. pneumoniae–positive respiratory samples, collected from four counties in Sweden between 1996 and 2013, were screened for mutations associated with macrolide resistance using a duplex FRET real-time PCR method. The real-time PCR targets the 23S rRNA gene, and differentiation between wild-type and resistant strains was achieved with a melting curve analysis. Results: Of the 563 samples included, 548 were analyzed for mutations associated with macrolide resistance. No mutations were found. The detection rate of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae in this study was 0% [0.00–0.84%]. Conclusion: No macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae has been detected in Sweden. However, the emergence and spread of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae strains in many countries commands continuous epidemiological surveillance

Evaluation of the performance of a rapid antigen test (Roche) for COVID-19 diagnosis in an emergency setting in Sweden

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rapid and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 is important to enable proper care of patients and to prevent further transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test (Ag-RDT) in an emergency care setting during a high pandemic period. The analytical performance of the Ag-RDT was compared to real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). A total of 132 patient samples, previously analyzed with rRT-PCR, were reanalyzed with the Ag-RDT. Tenfold serial dilutions of five different patient strains containing the pangolin variants BA.1, BA.2, B.1.1.7, B.1.160, and B.1.177 were analyzed in parallel with the Ag-RDT and rRT-PCR. A clinical evaluation was performed in which 1911 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency wards in Region Gavleborg, Sweden, were included. Paired samples were collected and analyzed with the Ag-RDT on-site and with rRT-PCR at the microbiology laboratory. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the Ag-RDT in the clinical evaluation were 71.3% and 99.7%, respectively. When samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values above 30 were excluded, the sensitivity was 86.5%. Eleven of the admitted patients who were positive for both the Ag-RDT and rRT-PCR (Ct-range 16.9-30.4) showed no symptoms of COVID-19. Using the Ag-RDT shortened the detection time by an average of 11 h. The Ag-RDT is a useful tool for preliminary screening of SARS-CoV-2 because it enables rapid detection in infectious individuals and therefore, can counteract unnecessary spread of infection at an early stage

Molecular typing of Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains in Sweden, 1996–2017, and the emergence of a new P1 cytadhesin gene, Variant 2e

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), with epidemics recurring every 3 to 7 years. In 2010 and 2011, many countries experienced an extraordinary epidemic peak. The cause of these recurring epidemics is not understood, but decreasing herd immunity and shifts in the strains' antigenic properties have been suggested as contributing factors. M. pneumoniae PCR-positive samples were collected between 1996 and 2017 from four neighboring counties inhabited by 12% of Sweden's population. A total of 578 isolates were characterized directly from 624 clinical samples using P1 typing by sequencing and multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-PCR approach was also used to detect mutations associated with macrolide resistance in the 23S rRNA gene. Through P1 typing, the strains were classified into type 1 and type 2, as well as variants 2a, 2b, 2c, and a new variant found in nine of the strains, denoted variant 2e. Twelve MLVA types were distinguished, and 3-5-6-2 (42.4%), 4-5-7-2 (37.4%), and 3-6-6-2 (14.9%) predominated. Several P1 and MLVA types cocirculated each year, but type 2/variant 2 strains and MLVA types 3-5-6-2 and 4-5-7-2 predominated during the epidemic period comprising the peak of 2010 and 2011. In 2016 and 2017, type 1 became more common, and MLVA type 4-5-7-2 predominated. We also found that 0.2% (1/578) of the strains carried a macrolide resistance-associated mutation, indicating a very low prevalence of macrolide resistance in this region of Sweden

Simultaneous Detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae by Use of Molecular Beacons in a Duplex Real-Time PCR▿

A real-time PCR was designed for detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae such that each pathogen could be detected in a single tube and differentiated using molecular beacons marked with different fluorochromes. This duplex PCR, targeting the P1 adhesion gene for M. pneumoniae and the ompA gene for C. pneumoniae, was compared with two conventional PCR assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the ompA gene. A total of 120 clinical throat and nasopharyngeal swab samples were tested. DNA extraction was performed using an alkali denaturation/neutralization method, and real-time amplification, detection, and data analysis were performed using a Rotor-Gene 2000 real-time rotary analyzer (Corbett Life Science, Sydney, Australia). Using conventional PCR as a reference in an analysis of 120 samples, 13 of 14 samples positive for C. pneumoniae were detected by the novel real-time PCR. In an analysis of M. pneumoniae, 22 samples were positive in the conventional PCR and the novel assay detected 24 positive samples. When using the conventional PCR as a reference, sensitivity and specificity were 93% and 100%, respectively, for C. pneumoniae and 100% and 98%, respectively, for M. pneumoniae. With an overall agreement of 98.8%, this suggests that performance of the new duplex real-time PCR is comparable to that of conventional PCR

Internet-based self-sampling for Chlamydia trachomatis testing : a national evaluation in Sweden

Objective Internet-based testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) with self-sampling at home has gradually been implemented in Sweden since 2006 as a free-of-charge service within the public healthcare system. This study evaluated the national diagnostic outcome of this service. Methods Requests for data on both self-sampling at home and clinic-based sampling for CT testing were sent to the laboratories in 18 of 21 counties. Four laboratories were also asked to provide data on testing patterns at the individual level for the years 2013-2017. Results The proportion of self-sampling increased gradually from 2013, comprising 22.0% of all CT tests in Sweden in 2017. In an analysis of 14 counties (representing 83% of the population), self-sampling increased by 115% between 2013 and 2017 for women, compared with 71% for men, while test volumes for clinic-based sampling were fairly constant for both sexes (1.8% increase for women, 15% increase for men). In 2017 self-sampling accounted for 20.3% of all detected CT cases, and the detection rate was higher than, but similar to, clinic-based testing (5.5% vs 5.1%). The proportion of self-sampling men was also higher, but similar (33.7% vs 30.8%). Analysis of individual testing patterns in four counties over 5 years showed a higher proportion of men using self-sampling only (67%, n=10 533) compared with women (40%, n=8885). Conclusions Self-sampling has increased substantially in recent years, especially among women. This service is at least as beneficial as clinic-based screening for detection of CT, and self-sampling reaches men more than clinic-based testing

Changes in testing and incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae : the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the three Scandinavian countries

Background: This study aimed to investigate what impact the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions had on Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, countries with very different governmental strategies for handling this pandemic. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data collected via requests to Swedish regions and to health authorities in Denmark and Norway. The data were collected for the years 2018–2020 and the data from Sweden were more detailed. Results: When the pandemic restrictions were installed in 2020, the number of reported chlamydia cases decreased. The decline was most pronounced in Norway 10.8% (2019: n = 28,446; 2020: n = 25,444) while it was only 3.1% in Denmark (2019: n = 35,688; 2020: n = 34,689) and 4.3% in Sweden (2019: n = 34,726; 2020: n = 33,339). Nucleic acid amplifications tests for chlamydia decreased in Sweden (10%) and Norway (18%) in 2020 compared to 2019, while in Denmark a 21% decrease was noted in April 2020 but thereafter increased to a higher level than 2019. The number of reported gonorrhoea cases decreased in Sweden (17%) and in Norway (39%) in 2020 compared to 2019, while a 21% increase was noted in Denmark. Conclusions: Pandemic restrictions had an impact on the number of reported chlamydia infections in all three countries, but only temporarily and did not seem to be correlated to the restriction levels. The number of reported gonorrhoea infections in Sweden and Norway significantly decreased but not in Denmark. Pandemic restrictions appear to have had a limited effect on the spread of chlamydia and gonorrhoea