A Case of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia Accompanying High Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Pleural Effusion

Mycoplasma pneumioniae has a unique genomic composition, cellular biology, and a fastidious nature as the smallest cell-free living organism that lacks a cell wall. Previous studies have suggested that a clinical manifestation of a M. pneumoniae infection is a consequence of a host immune response, particularly involving cellular immunity. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is the main T-lymphocyte enzyme, and its activity is high in diseases where cellular immunity is stimulated. Therefore, its activity is useful for diagnosing a tuberculous pleural effusion. A pleural effusion is found in 5-20% of Mycoplasma pneumonia patients. However, there are few reports of high ADA activity in a mycoplasmal pleural effusion. Here we report a case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection established by a polymerase chain reaction and serologic tests, accompanying high ADA activity in a pleural effusion.

흉막삼출액에서 높은 Adenosine Deaminase 활성도를 보인 마이코플라즈마 폐렴 1예

결핵의 유병율이 높은 한국에서 흉막삼출액의 높은 ADA 활성도로 인해 결핵성 흉막염으로 오인되었다가 중합연쇄반응 및 혈청학적 검사로 M. pneumoniae에 의한 감염으로 확진된 증례를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.