Can we talk about an epidemic of mycoplasma infections? Doctors are reporting an increase in infections. The symptoms can be treacherous because the patient is in relatively good condition: he looks like he has a cold, and his lungs are worse. Material from the “Poland and World” magazine. The entire edition is available on TVN24 GO.
Chronic, dry cough, pneumonia, unsuccessful antibiotic treatment. – This cough was persistent, it lasted all the time, it did not give her peace – says Rafał Krawczyk.
His daughter, 4-year-old Klara, became infected with the mycoplasma bacteria. First, she went to a pediatrician. After two weeks of antibiotics, there was a visit to a pulmonologist. – She was diagnosed only in the third week of intense illness – adds Rafał Krawczyk.
This result was obtained by targeted blood tests. However, in a standard laboratory, you have to wait up to several days for the results of such tests, and the changes in the lungs are progressing.
– It is often the case that auscultatory changes cannot be heard so clearly, and the changes are more advanced – says pulmonologist Dr. Hab. Marek Ochman from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. – It is a bit of an insidious pathogen – he admits.
Infection with mycoplasma bacteria may not cause symptoms
The head of the pediatrics department at the Children's Hospital in Warsaw, Dr. Aneta Górska-Kot, warns that the bacterium “leads to atypical pneumonia.” – The child is in relatively good shape, and when we take a photo, there are dramatic changes – he adds.
It may cause no symptoms and may resemble a common cold. – These can be any types of upper respiratory tract infections – says Dr. Aneta Górska-Kot.
From a runny nose, sinus or throat pain, moderate fever, to acute bronchitis and pneumonia. Symptoms are usually mild, develop gradually and are less severe than in the case of viral infections. Children with a cough but in good shape walk for weeks. – He gets better for a day or two, then he starts having a fever again and coughing. The nature of cough in mycoplasma infection is most often dry, somewhat paroxysmal – says Dr. Aneta Górska-Kot.
The number of mycoplasma infections is increasingShutterstock
Proper diagnosis is the key to combating the disease
The bacterium is atypical, so if it attacks the bronchi or lungs, treatment cannot be standard. – This is a bacterium that is not treated with classic antibiotics from the penicillin group – emphasizes Chief Sanitary Inspector Paweł Grzesiowski.
– It does not respond to most standard antibiotics that are administered in the case of bacterial infections – says Dr. Hab. Marek Ochman.
That's why proper diagnosis is so important. The right medications cure immediately. – The children I had with mycoplasma infection were actually healthy after two doses – points out Dr. Aneta Górska-Kot.
Mycoplasma is a bacterium that has been known for years. It mainly affects large groups of people and children who are starting school and kindergarten. It usually becomes active in early autumn. Every few years there is an epidemic.
Increase in the number of cases
– Unfortunately, we see an increase in cases across the region. This is also monitored by the Danes, Swedes, Germany – says Paweł Grzesiowski. Dr. Aneta Górska-Kot states that “it is worth knowing what I am dealing with, and the diagnostic possibilities have expanded significantly after the pandemic.” – Rapid tests for influenza, mycoplasma and RSV have appeared – he enumerates.
Although these are reliable only in the first days of infection, later blood tests and genetic tests, available in laboratories and hospitals, will be useful. – In genetic tests from swabs, we are able to quickly diagnose mycoplasma infection – says Dr. Hab. Marek Ochman.
Patients and doctors should take advantage of these scientific achievements – especially at the beginning of flu season, when RSV and COVID-19when to choose the right treatment.
Main photo source: Shutterstock