AIIMS Delhi: 7 Samples Confirm Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

Respiratory Illness Surge Prompts Close Monitoring and Research Initiatives

AIIMS Delhi identifies Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the bacterium associated with a recent rise in respiratory illness cases among children in China, in seven samples from April to September this year.

As per a 'Lancet Microbe' report, one case was identified through an early-stage PCR test, while six cases were detected using the IgM Elisa test, applicable even in later stages. The positivity rates were 3% for PCR and 16% for the IgM Elisa test.

AIIMS Delhi collaborates with a global consortium to monitor the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Dr. Rama Chaudhry, former head of the microbiology department at AIIMS Delhi and a consortium member, informed TOI that M. pneumoniae accounts for 15-20% of community-acquired pneumonia. Dr. Chaudhry, now Dean (Research) at NIMS, Jaipur, mentioned that pneumonia caused by this bacterium is often mild, earning the nickname 'walking pneumonia,' although severe cases can also occur.

Emphasizing the need, she stated that India must broaden surveillance to detect Mycoplasma pneumonia. Presently, surveillance is limited to AIIMS Delhi and a handful of other centers.

According to The Lancet report, in countries experiencing the re-emergence of M. pneumoniae, case numbers are comparable to pre-pandemic (endemic) levels. The report suggests monitoring the situation to assess whether these cases will escalate to epidemic levels or lead to an exceptionally large wave of infections, similar to the resurgence observed with other pathogens.

The report highlights that it's hard to predict how the re-emergence of M. pneumoniae will progress and whether it will lead to more severe cases. The impact of reduced previous exposure on rare severe cases is uncertain. It also mentions that infections can happen at any time of the year.