Beware of mycoplasma bacteria

According to information from the infectious disease surveillance system ( Ministry of Health ), many countries near Vietnam have recorded an increase in respiratory illnesses caused by influenza virus, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.

According to international media reports, white lung syndrome, caused by the mycoplasma bacteria, is becoming a new health concern for children, with cases beginning to appear in Europe, following the US and a country in Asia.

To definitively diagnose pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, specific tests are necessary.

It's called "white lung syndrome" because X-rays of affected children show white patches throughout their lungs. Children with this condition experience symptoms such as coughing, fever, and fatigue.

In the country, this bacteria is warned to easily cause misdiagnosis, putting children in critical condition.

At the Pediatric Center (Bach Mai Hospital), in July of this year, the rate of children infected with mycoplasma accounted for 30-40% of pneumonia patients admitted for treatment.

At the National Children's Hospital, doctors at the Pediatric Respiratory Center noted that pneumonia has many causes, among which Mycoplasma pneumoniae (an atypical bacterium) is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children. The disease occurs at all ages, but is more common in older children.

Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia in children are easily confused with other pneumonia agents such as viral pneumonia, other bacterial pneumonia because they have symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing or chest X-rays showing lesions on the film; or are mistaken for the common cold.

Without accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, the disease can become serious, leading to respiratory failure and endangering the child's life.

The Pediatric Respiratory Center once admitted an 8-year-old patient in Lao Cai , who was admitted to the hospital on the 5th day of illness, with symptoms of high fever, dry cough, rash all over the body, and chest X-ray showing lobar pneumonia. In-depth testing accurately identified the type of bacteria causing the above condition, with positive results for mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Previously, at home, when the child developed a persistent high fever and a persistent cough, the family took the child to a local hospital for examination, where the child was diagnosed with a viral fever.

Another 10-year-old patient from Thai Binh province was brought to the Pediatric Respiratory Center with severe coughing accompanied by persistent high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a generalized rash. They had received treatment at a lower-level hospital for 9 days without improvement.

At the National Children's Hospital, after taking the medical history, conducting a clinical examination, and performing X-rays, the doctors diagnosed the child with hydroponic pneumonia and left pleural effusion caused by mycoplasma.

According to the National Children's Hospital, pneumonia has many causes, among which Mycoplasma pneumoniae (an atypical bacterium) is an important causative agent of pneumonia in the community, especially in children. The disease occurs at all ages, but is most common in older children.

At one point, the center received 150-160 inpatients daily, with mycoplasma infections accounting for approximately 30% of those cases.

Pneumonia and other diseases caused by mycoplasma.

Regarding the characteristics of mycoplasma, the Pediatric Respiratory Center said that when it enters the body, the incubation period is about 2 - 3 weeks.

After this period, the illness develops, and the child shows symptoms of respiratory tract inflammation (sneezing, runny nose, fever).

Children with mycoplasma pneumonia may experience high, persistent fevers ranging from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. They may also cough frequently, with persistent, delirious coughing fits, accompanied by shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Older children may experience chest pain, headaches, muscle pain, and muscle stiffness.

In particular, children with mycoplasma pneumonia may exhibit other extrapulmonary complications such as conjunctivitis, hives, cardiovascular complications, gastrointestinal complications, and urinary tract complications.

To definitively diagnose pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, specific tests are required: serological testing (Mycoplasma IgM), or the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA sequences in respiratory secretions using Real-time PCR.

Bacterial or viral pneumonia in general and mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in particular, are transmitted by contact through droplets.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent mycoplasma infection. To prevent infection in children, parents should: wash hands with soap, ensure a clean and well-ventilated environment; and avoid contact with children who show symptoms such as coughing or fever.

In addition, a proper diet helps boost children's immunity.

In particular, parents should ensure their children receive vaccinations according to the schedule. This is because Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can be co-infected with other bacteria such as pneumococcus and Hib.

(National Children's Hospital)

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