SUMMARY Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important cause of respiratory tract infections in children as well as adults that can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Over the past several years there has been much new information published concerning infections caused by this organism. New molecular-based tests for M. pneumoniae detection are now commercially available in the United States, and advances in molecular typing systems have enhanced understanding of the epidemiology of infections. More strains have had their entire genome sequences published, providing additional insights into pathogenic mechanisms. Clinically significant acquired macrolide resistance has emerged worldwide and is now complicating treatment. In vitro susceptibility testing methods have been standardized, and several new drugs that may be effective against this organism are undergoing development. This review focuses on the many new developments that have occurred over the past several years that enhance our understanding of this microbe, which is among the smallest bacterial pathogens but one of great clinical importance.

中文翻译：

---

来自呼吸道及其他部位的肺炎支原体 [评论]

摘要肺炎支原体是儿童和成人呼吸道感染的重要原因，其严重程度从轻微到危及生命不等。在过去的几年中，已经发布了许多有关由这种生物体引起的感染的新信息。用于检测肺炎支原体的新型分子检测现已在美国上市，分子分型系统的进步增强了对感染流行病学的了解。更多菌株的完整基因组序列已发表，为致病机制提供了更多见解。世界范围内出现了具有临床意义的获得性大环内酯类耐药性，并且现在使治疗变得复杂化。体外药敏试验方法已经标准化，几种可能有效对抗这种微生物的新药正在开发中。本综述重点关注过去几年中发生的许多新进展，这些进展增强了我们对这种微生物的了解，这种微生物是最小的细菌病原体之一，但具有重要的临床意义。