Seroepidemiological survey of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children aged 0–6 years in Huzhou city (October–December 2023): a seasonal cross-sectional study

Objective The study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of Anti- Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin G (Anti-MP-IgG) among children aged 0–6 years in October-December 2023 in Huzhou City, China, and explore the influence of age and gender on seropositivity. Design Anti-MP-IgG levels were categorized into negative (<24 AU/mL), borderline (≥24 AU/mL and <36 AU/mL), and positive (≥36 AU/mL) groups. The GMCs and prevalence rates were analyzed according to age and gender. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess trends and associations. Results A total of 526 participants were enrolled in the study. The overall GMC of Anti-MP-IgG was 6.21 AU/mL (95% CI: 5.39–7.15). While there was no significant difference in GMCs between genders ( P = 0.862), a significant increasing trend in GMCs was observed with age ( F = 16.649, P < 0.001). The proportion of positive Anti-MP-IgG levels increased significantly with age, from 10.20% in 0-year group to 32.50% in 6-years group ( P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that age was significantly associated with Anti-MP-IgG positivity (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21–1.56, P < 0.001), while gender was not. Conclusions The seroprevalence and GMCs of Anti-MP-IgG showed a clear age-related increasing trend, indicating age as a significant factor for seropositivity in children aged 0–6 years. Further studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms and the implications for public health strategies.