Hyderabad: City hospitals are witnessing a surge in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections among children, with paediatric centres reporting an increasing number of prolonged and severe pneumonia cases requiring hospitalisation. The bacterial infection, often considered self-limiting, is now contributing to serious complications, prompting doctors to emphasise early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.
Dr Satish Ghanta of LittleStar and She Hospital stated, “Over the past few weeks, we’ve observed a noticeable rise in Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases. This bacterial pathogen is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumoniaand while many cases are mild, some progress to severe respiratory complications requiring hospital care.”
As respiratory infections spike during this season, healthcare professionals stress the need for vigilance in identifying Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections early to facilitate prompt treatment.
Scientific studies, including reports published in Scientific Reports of Nature, highlight that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is responsible for 10–40% of community-acquired pneumonia cases in children. The primary symptoms include fever and a persistent dry cough, but severe complications such as necrotising pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, central nervous system inflammation, acute myocardial injury, and thrombosis have also been reported. Necrotising pneumonia, which involves lung tissue destruction, accounts for approximately 9% of paediatric community-acquired pneumonia cases, and its rising incidence has led to an increase in associated complications such as sepsis, pneumothorax, and respiratory failure.
Dr Naveen Pillarasetti of Rainbow Hospital confirmed a rise in pneumonia cases in recent months. “We are seeing more children with prolonged and severe pneumonia, some of whom require hospitalisation. In certain cases, persistent lung changes necessitate bronchoscopy procedures to clear the airways,” he said. He also noted that influenza pneumonia is circulating concurrently, which could be further aggravating the situation. While the exact reason behind the surge remains unclear, factors such as unusual weather patterns and a high infectious load in the community may be contributing.
Pulmonologist Dr Gella Viswanath of AIG Hospital echoed these concerns, stating, “In addition to respiratory complications, we are observing cases where Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have triggered autoimmune dysregulation, leading to severe outcomes, including fatalities in some cases.”
Early care & vaccination matter
· Seek early medical consultation for children experiencing fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
· Practise good hand hygiene and encourage use of masks in crowded areas to reduce transmission.
· Ensure timely vaccination, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, for added protection
