A preliminary study on the potential of Mycoplasma pneumoniae to induce dyskaryotic change in respiratory epithelium in adult community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the cellular morphology of respiratory epithelium in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia patients. Materials and Methods: The cast-off cell morphological findings from bronchoscopic brushings in M. pneumoniae pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by typical pathogens were reviewed. Results: Compared with the CAP group, cellular dysplasia in respiratory tract epithelial brushings was significantly greater in M. pneumoniae pneumonia patients (P = 0.033). Conclusion: Unique biological characteristics and mechanisms of pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae may result in dyskaryotic changes in respiratory epithelium in adult M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

Key words: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, community-acquired pneumonia, cellular dysplasia