Seroprevalence of IgM Antibody in Atypical Pneumonia Causing Pathogens by Pneumoslide, IFA

Background: Atypical bacterial and viral pathogens play an important role in atypical pneumonia are responsible for one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries.

Objective: The purpose of this study to determine the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens causing acute atypical pneumonia in different age groups and seasonality patterns of prevalence in India.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 680 samples tested during December 2018 to August 2019, performed at Microbiology department of Dr. Lal Path Labs. Serum samples were used for Pneumoslide IgM test diagnose 9 Atypical bacterial & viral pathogens: Legionella pneumophila (LP), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Coxiella burnetti (COX), Chlamydophila pneumonia (CP) Adenovirus (ADV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Influenza A (INFA), Influenza B (INFB), Parainfluenza serotypes 1,2 &3(PIVs).

Results: Of a total 477(70.1%) samples were positive for atypical pneumonia pathogens. Atypical pneumonia was seen in extremes of age ie: <=5 years and >60 elderly adults without much of a gender bias. Co infections was seen in 62.1%. Legionella pneumophila (42.5%) was the dominant pathogen followed by Influenza B (41.7%) Mycoplasma pneumoniae (33.4%), Parainfluenza serotypes 1,2 &3 (29.4%) respectively. Atypical pneumonia has a spring predominance that is peaking in March.

Conclusion: Among six predominant atypical pathogens, Legionella pneumophila and Influenza B was most predominant pathogens, as a causative agent of atypical pneumonia followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae seen mostly in young (0-5 years) comparison to all age groups. Hence, Pneumoslide IgM as a multi panel test needed to ensure initiation of targeted therapy. Pneumoslide IgM, by IFA is a rapid, cost effective easy to identify & classify atypical pneumonia causing pathogens.