It is not a new microbe but as the outbreak in China shows, it has been widespread at the community level. No need to panic as antibiotics are available, says Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
After clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children were reported in northern China, the authorities there have reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases and have attributed this to the circulation of various pathogens such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria that’s not as infectious as a virus like COVID-19 but has affected vast swathes of the population.
This bacteria is being watched as The Lancet recently quoted global prospective surveillance data as showing the re-emergence of mycoplasma pneumoniae in Europe and Asia more than three years after the introduction of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. “This delayed re-emergence is striking because it occurred long after non-pharmaceutical interventions were discontinued, and because it is, to our knowledge, a phenomenon unique to this pathogen,” the article read. According to Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhimycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial infection that can cause many symptoms, including dry cough, fever and mild shortness of breath on exertion. However, the bacteria has been around for a long time, so doctors can manage the infection. So there is no need to panic at the moment. “The good thing is that normal medication can be very effective for mycoplasma pneumoniae and can be controlled easily,” he says.
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What is mycoplasma pneumonia?
It is not a new bacteria and has been around for some time but as the outbreak in China shows, it has been widespread at the community level. It’s a type of bacteria but acts more like a virus and spreads faster from person to person. It infiltrates both sides of the lungs, increasing cough and breathing difficulties. It damages the lining of the respiratory system (throat, lungs, windpipe). People can have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. There can be a fall in oxygen levels. Usually we don’t see such an outbreak of mycoplasma, so whether there has been some changes in the bacteria among a vulnerable group in China is not clear yet. A study showed mycoplasma pneumoniae was subdued in China for almost two years by Covid countermeasures that have since been lifted.
We have been treating patients with this bacterial infection for years. Under the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) guidelines, antibiotics are in place for infection control. In China, this bacteria has been circulating with the HN92 virus.
How does it spread and what are its symptoms?
It is not that rapidly infectious as a virus but it can affect our throat and our nasal cavities and descend to the lungs very quickly, causing pneumonia. That’s why you need to limit your exposure to any person sneezing or persistent coughing in a closed or crowded environment. Signs include the breakup of red blood cells, a skin rash and joint pain. The risk of contracting the infection peaks in winter. Children may report a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, wheezing, vomitting and diarrhoea.
How can one avoid this infection?
Build your immunity with a good diet, exercise and sleep, avoid crowded spaces and wear a mask in a social environment as it protects you from all types of respiratory illness. Practise good hygiene by washing your hands before eating or after interacting with infected people.
Who is at risk?
The bacteria can cause pneumonia in any age group, especially in children, elderly or those with weakened lungs. If one has a cough, fever and heavy breathing, one should immediately contact a doctor. In early stages, the recovery is faster and better. Vulnerable groups, who already have respiratory issues, are prone to developing this infection in a severe form.
Are common antibiotics effective against the infection?
There are multiple antibiotics which are effective. Azithromycin controls the infection in children while doxycycline and moxifloxacin can be used to treat adults. However, a doctor’s consultation is a must before taking any medication. Usually, a doctor can pick up an infection with a stethoscope from abnormal breathing patterns. A chest X-ray and a CT scan may also help your doctor make a diagnosis.
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First published on: 27-11-2023 at 6:20 PM IST
