Investigation on associated factors of Mycoplasma pneumonia infection among school-age children in Shandong and Anhui Provinces of China: A retrospective case-control study

Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in school-age children. Characterizing the clinical and behavioral profile of affected children is important for understanding the infection's presentation during outbreaks. Methods A retrospective 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted in hospitals in Shandong and Anhui provinces, China. We compared 48 children with MP pneumonia to 48 hospital-based controls, assessing epidemiological, clinical, and medication-use factors. Results A total of 96 children were included. Cases frequently had a history of medication use before hospital consultation. Notably, the class of pre-consultation antibiotics used showed a marked regional disparity. Conclusion This study describes distinct patterns of early medication use, particularly antibiotics, among children hospitalized for MP pneumonia. The pronounced regional variation in antibiotic choice highlights a critical junction in community-level infection management. These findings underscore the need for prospective research to determine the drivers and clinical consequences of early medication practices in pediatric respiratory infections.