Study of isolation of <i> Mycoplasma pneumoniae in </i> asthmatics by sputum culture

Abstract

Background : Mycoplasma pneumoniae is implicated in acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma and is also a factor in the chronicity of asthma. This study was conducted to determine the significance of this association and to estimate the incidence of M.pneumoniae in the airways of asthmatics by isolation of the organism in sputum by culture method. Methods: In our study we have tried to isolate M.pneumoniae in sputum specimen samples by culture technique in one hundred asthmatic patients and fifty non-asthmatics who served as controls. Results : In our study we were able to isolate M.pneumoniae by sputum culture in 18% of the asthmatics. Among the culture positive patients, 16% had acute exacerbation of asthma. Conclusions : Our study compares favorably with the earlier studies done using serology and PCR in the diagnosis of M.pneumoniae infections in asthma emphasizing the usefulness of sputum cluture as a reliable investigative tool for isolation of M.pneumoniae in asthmatics. It also suggests a role for broader therapeutic implications in treatment of asthma. Lung India 2005; 22 : 50-53

Keywords

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Asthma
• Sputum culture.