Why are childhood pneumonia cases increasing in Europe following the Chinese epidemic?

In European countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark and France, childhood pneumonia cases have begun to increase sharply. Meanwhile, in Asia, China is battling an unprecedented surge in respiratory illnesses.

Increase in pneumonia cases linked to bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniaethe infection-causing bacteria, as reported in its latest weekly report European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC is its English abbreviation).

“Six countries in the European Union and European Economic Area have reported recent increases in coronavirus infections. Mycoplasma pneumoniae at the national level or at specific hospitals,” the health agency said.

Increases were reported across all age groups, but They occur mainly in children and adolescents. “In addition, one country observed an increase in severe cases admitted to intensive care units. There are currently no reports of atypical strains and no evidence of resistance to first-line macrolide antibiotics,” ECDC clarified. “

epidemic Mycoplasma They are produced on a regular basis, usually every one or three years. The pathogen is spread through close contact with an infected person and, once infected, causes slow-onset and often atypical respiratory symptoms.

he Mycoplasma It is spread through contact with particles of secretions from the nose and throat of an infected person, especially when they cough and sneeze. Transmission occurs slowly in homes, schools and institutions. The infectious period may be less than 10 days, sometimes even longer.

The infection usually presents with mild symptoms and is self-limiting. However, patients with prolonged or atypical and severe lower respiratory tract symptoms require antibiotic treatment.

Health agencies explain the reason for the increase in pneumonia cases. He argued that “over a three-year period, the spread and detection of the bacteria was very limited” and that after widespread measures such as restrictions, social distancing and the use of masks during the health emergency, “the reported increase comes after the spread and detection of the bacteria.” Detection is very limited” was observed after. Pandemic caused by coronavirus.

He noted that measures to control the spread of the coronavirus have led to “reduced immunity in the population, especially among those who have had little or no previous exposure to the virus.” Mycoplasma pneumoniae“. He said there have been no reports of atypical strains of bacteria or resistance to first-line macrolide antibiotics in countries where cases are increasing.

exist Denmark and France, Infections have reached epidemic levels, with cases in Denmark tripling since October, with a total of 541 as of last week. Data analytics company Airfinity said France is also facing epidemic-level infections.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands experienced a 124% increase compared to last year’s peak.In Ireland, there are only 15 cases Mycoplasma pneumoniae It has been reported in children and adolescents. This is fourteen more than the previous year.

exist China, An outbreak of pneumonia infections has overwhelmed many hospitals, which has been attributed to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. It adds to the frequent increase in respiratory illnesses that usually occur during winter.

In June last year, the inspection team Mycoplasma pneumoniae warned in a magazine Lancet MicrobiologyInfections caused by the bacteria dropped sharply after mass lockdowns, but it may reappear.

“If the infection comes from Mycoplasma pneumoniaemay affect a world population that has not been exposed in the past three years and lead to an increase in rare severe illness and extrapulmonary symptoms,” they warned.

Consultants databasedoctor Eduardo LopezDirector of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Director of the Department of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires Ricardo Gutierrez Children’s Hospital and former president Pediatric Infection Society (SADIP) commented: “In China, the spread of respiratory syncytial virus may occur in the northern autumn and is accompanied by bacterial double infection.” Mycoplasma. In Argentina, there is no increase in pneumonia cases, but that may be related to the fact that we are now in spring. As next fall begins, health professionals must remain vigilant as the circulation of bacteria may increase.“.

although, Francisco Nasinovich,member argentine society of infectious diseases and directors of nonprofit organizations. Inverabelieves that if South America is compared with Europe or China, it should be taken into account that today “things are different”.

“In Europe or China, it’s winter and we have to see if there’s an increase in detection rates and that’s why they’re seeing more cases of mycoplasma pneumonia,” Nasinovich said. database . “inside Argentina This is not a notifiable infection, but there are reports of pneumonia. Treatment guidelines consider the use of specific antibiotics targeting this organism in hospitalized patients,” he added.

people can get infected Mycoplasma pneumoniae More than once. Although there is no vaccine to prevent it, different measures can be taken to avoid its contagion. These include: covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, putting used tissues in the trash, and washing your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and water.

“The coronavirus pandemic highlights a range of tips to avoid contracting respiratory infections, which includes avoiding contact with infected people, effective ventilation, wearing a chin strap or mask, and hand hygiene. Given what we now know about the impact of ‘harmless’ infection, particularly the impact of infection with more than one pathogen at the same time, it is crucial to take action to stop transmission,” Zania Stamataki, Associate Professor of Viral Immunology at the University of Birmingham ) suggested. In the UK.