In a groundbreaking global surveillance study published in The Lancet Microbe journal, researchers have identified a resurgence of infections caused by the mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria in various regions, particularly in Europe and Asia. Between April and September of this year, AIIMS Delhi reported seven positive cases, shedding light on a concerning trend in respiratory ailments among children.
The study, initiated in April 2022, gathered data from 45 sites across 24 countries in the United Nations regions of Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests revealed significantly higher incidences of M pneumonia in Europe and Asia compared to the Americas and Oceania. Notably, these rates exceeded those observed in previous testing periods within the same UN regions since the initiation of prospective surveillance.
Overall, out of 149,980 tests conducted during the six-month period, M pneumonia was detected by PCR in 1,067 cases. Europe reported the most frequent detections, with Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales, and Slovenia leading the list. In Asia, Singapore recorded the highest number of cases at 172.
Surprisingly, the study observed the re-emergence of M. pneumonia more than three years after the introduction of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This resurgence occurred long after the discontinuation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and is considered a unique phenomenon specific to this pathogen.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, and its detection sharply declined worldwide following the implementation of NPIs against COVID-19 in March 2020. The researchers noted a significant reduction in the first year after NPIs, similar to other respiratory pathogens. However, in the second year, a further unprecedented reduction in M pneumonia incidence was observed, signalling community transmission of other respiratory pathogens.
The initial data from the surveillance indicated a sustained low incidence of M pneumonia in the third year from April 2022 to March 2023. Nevertheless, a slight increase in case numbers was noted in some countries during the last months of the third year (January to March 2023), prompting increased vigilance.
The authors of the study emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and vigilance in light of these findings, highlighting the need to address the re-emergence of M. pneumonia as a public health concern.