April 2025

Summary:

• • • Massive increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Tyrol since 2024
    • PCR testing is the diagnostic method of choice for atypical pneumonia
    • Increasing macrolide resistance poses a growing global challenge
    • Respiratory PCR panel detects M. pneumoniae and other respiratory viruses
    • Price for private billing reduced to €40.00

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is one of the most important pathogens causing atypical pneumonia and occurs particularly frequently in children and adolescents. Although some infections are mild, a non-negligible proportion lead to severe illness including hospitalisations.

Alarmingly high M. pneumoniae activity has already been reported, increasing worldwide since late 2023, particularly in Europe and Asia (Bolluyt D et al 2024, Shi D et al 2024). We are also seeing a massive increase in cases since 2024 in our laboratory diagnostics (see Fig. 1).

Figure 1: Increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Tyrol

Not only the rise in infection numbers, but also increasing macrolide resistance represents a growing challenge worldwide (Kim K et al. 2022 JAMA Netw Open). Therefore, laboratory diagnostic clarification must be performed before administering antibiotics to minimise unnecessary antibiotic use and reduce the risk of resistance development and spread.

Since culture-based diagnostics are difficult for intracellular bacteria, PCR is the diagnostic method of choice. PCR can also detect resistance-associated mutations where applicable.

Our respiratory PCR panel detects M. pneumoniae in addition to several respiratory viruses. For inpatients, costs are covered by the hospitals. Unfortunately, there is currently no cost coverage for outpatient and private practice settings. We have already submitted an application to the social insurance providers.

In suspected cases, we perform the test for private billing.

Referring to our information letter from 30.09.2024, we can inform you that we have adapted/modified our test and thus been able to reduce the price for private billing to €40.00.