Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection at a Georgia University

The outbreak — which affected 83 students — was the largest outbreak of M. pneumoniae infection reported at a U.S. university in 35 years.

Each year, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infects about one in every hundred U.S. citizens, causing lower respiratory infection in 3% to 10% of those infected. During non–influenza epidemic years, it is the most common pathogen causing pneumonia in closed populations of young adults such as boot camps and boarding schools.

On October 17, 2012, the Georgia Department of Public Health was notified that a pneumonia outbreak was occurring among students at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT). Twelve of 19 (63%) respiratory specimens that were tested using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were positive for M. pneumoniae; no other pathogens were identified. Probable cases (n=71) were defined as physician-diagnosed pneumonia in …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

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Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection at a Georgia University

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Reviewing Author