School-Based Surveillance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Trends and Impact on School Attendance
Author Information
Author(s): Almendares Olivia M., Fritschmann Brittney, Selvarangan Rangaraj, Lee Brian R., Edens Chris, Diaz Maureen, Whitaker Brett, Tilsworth Shannon, Porter Janelle, Sagar Nibha, Schuster Jennifer E., Goldman Jennifer L., Kirking Hannah L.
Primary Institution: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC
Hypothesis
What is the impact of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections on school attendance among students and staff?
Conclusion
School-based surveillance revealed a spike in Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases, significantly affecting attendance.
Supporting Evidence
- 76.2% of infected students and staff missed school or work.
- 52.4% of participants experienced symptoms for a week or more.
- 21 M. pneumoniae-positive specimens were identified from 244 samples.
Takeaway
This study shows that many students and staff got sick from a germ called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which made them miss school.
Methodology
Participants submitted nasal swabs when experiencing ARI symptoms, and samples were tested for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and other pathogens.
Limitations
The study was limited to one school district and may not represent broader trends.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 11 years; 42.9% were female, and 85.7% identified as non-Hispanic White.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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