Mycoplasma Pneumonia — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyRespiratoryMycoplasma PneumoniaRACP Paediatrics

A 9-year-old girl presents with a 3-week history of dry cough, low-grade fever, and malaise. Chest X-ray shows bilateral perihilar infiltrates. Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM is positive. What is the most appropriate antibiotic?

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Correct answer: D — Azithromycin

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia in school-aged children. As an intracellular pathogen without a cell wall, beta-lactam antibiotics are ineffective. Macrolides (azithromycin or roxithromycin) are the first-line treatment in children. Australian Therapeutic Guidelines recommend azithromycin 10 mg/kg on day 1 then 5 mg/kg days 2–5.

Reference: Therapeutic Guidelines – 2024 – Antibiotic: Pneumonia in Children