Q: Why are we hearing so much about Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?
A: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections, including cold or flu-like symptoms, bronchitis, and walking pneumonia. Since spring of 2024, cases have risen across the USA, particularly in those 2-4 years old.
You may have seen news headlines recently or know someone recovering from “walking pneumonia”. Many of these cases are caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M.pneumoniae). Normally we see outbreaks of M.pneumoniae every 3-7 years. The CDC recently released a report noting a rise in these infections in the USA since the spring of 2024. Other areas have noted increases in cases since 2023 including countries in Asia and Europe.
What are the symptoms of M.pneumoniae infection?
Symptoms vary from patient to patient but may include fatigue, fever, headache, a slowly worsening cough, and sore throat.
Children under 5 may experience diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, vomiting, watery eyes, and wheezing.
In some cases, the infection develops into pneumonia. These patients often seem to be doing ok and can still move around, which is why it is sometimes called walking pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include cough, feeling tired, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.
Rarely, M.pneumoniae infections can result in additional complications such as:
- Asthma attacks
- Brain swelling
- Hemolytic anemia: Destruction of red blood cells
- Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM): A blistering rash and swollen mucus membranes.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): A condition that results from an overreaction of the immune system that causes painful blistering rashes that spread across the body.
While these are rare complications, it is helpful to know these risks exist so you can seek medical attention if unusual symptoms arise following infection.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Many people with M.pneumoniae never know and will recover on their own without treatment. This means most children and adults can be managed at home or under the care of their primary physician. However, if someone isn’t getting better or develops pneumonia, it can be diagnosed through a chest X-ray, a nasal swab and then treated with antibiotics.
Are the current case levels unusual?
From 2020-2022 we saw an unusually low number of M.pneumoniae due to public health measures implemented early in the COVID-19 pandemic that reduced the circulation of most respiratory pathogens. In 2023 we began to see a re-emergence. These infections are usually most common among school-age children and adolescents but we have seen increasing cases in all age groups. Notably, we are seeing higher than usual rates in those 2-4 years old, which is unusual because this age group has been historically less affected.
The exact cause of this current increase in cases is unknown, but it could be related to fewer people with recent immunity due to decreased cases in 2020-2022. M.pneumoniae typically come in waves every 3-7 years so we may be returning to that normal pattern of infections.
Can we protect ourselves?
Yes! There are no vaccines for M.pneumoniae, but you can reduce your risk of infection with the prevention measures that work for many other respiratory illnesses. This includes:
- Masking
- Staying home when sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Washing hands
- Improving ventilation
