What you need to know about mycoplasma pneumonia

There is an increase of patients in pediatric hospitals with respiratory infections, mainly due to mycoplasma pneumonia infection. So what is mycoplasma pneumonia, the cause of the infection, what harm does it cause, and what preventive measures can people take?

Dr Lu Min, department chair of pediatrics at Shanghai United Family Hospital, gives answers.

What is mycoplasma pneumonia infection?

Mycoplasma is a micro-organism that is somewhere between a bacterium and a virus. Mycoplasma pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by Mycoplasma infection, which can involve the bronchi, fine bronchioles, alveoli and interstitium. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a common community-acquired pneumonia in children.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets, and the causative agent can be carried in secretions from coughing, sneezing and runny noses. The incubation period of this pathogen can be as long as one to three weeks, and it is contagious from the incubation period through several weeks after symptoms resolve. Outbreaks are likely to occur in crowded places such as kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools.

Dr Chen Longxia from Shanghai United Family Hospital checks a baby with Mycoplasma pneumonia on Friday.

What are the symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia?

1. High fever

When infected, there is no immediate onset of symptoms. When the symptoms do start, the patient will typically first experience a low-grade fever. After one to three days, it will suddenly become a high fever lasting for three to five days, accompanied by a sore throat and muscle pain.

2. Coughing

One of the most obvious symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia is coughing, which usually occurs two to three days after the onset of the illness. Initially, the cough is dry, but as the illness develops it slowly evolves into a persistent cough, accompanied by thick sputum (phlegm) which sometimes contains blood.

In mycoplasma pneumonia, the degree of fever varies. Most exhibit high fever and a cough with identifiable characteristics – the cough is 'paroxysmal', meaning it's often violent, exhausting, and painful, and it can even disrupt sleep and normal eating. Early on, the cough is mostly dry, while later on phlegm will be present. If the child's cough has these characteristics, it is suggestive of mycoplasma pneumonia, and it is best to bring the child to a hospital for early diagnosis.

Does mycoplasma pneumonia require hospitalization?

Not necessarily. Mycoplasma pneumonia can be mild, severe or critical. Mild cases last for about seven days and generally have a good prognosis, while severe and critical cases may require the patient be hospitalized for a period of time.

Because mycoplasma has no cell wall and is naturally resistant to cephalosporins and penicillin, Mycoplasma pneumonia is often treated with antibacterial drugs such as macrolides, which are preferred to azithromycin. Mild cases of mycoplasma pneumonia can be treated at home. In severe cases, hospitalization of one to two weeks may be required.

How can I prevent mycoplasma pneumonia infection?

Currently, there is no vaccine for mycoplasma pneumonia. To prevent mycoplasma infections, it is important to emphasize the strengthening of personal fitness and the development of good personal habits such as:

• Ensure adequate sleep and increase physical exercise to improve resistance;

• Pay attention to indoor ventilation, wash hands frequently, and practice good hand hygiene;

• Eat a balanced diet of easily digestible and nutritious foods;

• Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated places.

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