The HAS has just published new recommendations concerning the management of respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Since the end of summer, the number of respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae has increased in France, with the emergence of pneumonia linked to this bacteria.
- To support healthcare professionals in their outpatient care, the High Authority for Health (HAS) has just published new recommendations.
- Mild fever, cough, headache, malaise… the symptoms of M. pneumoniae pneumonia are comparable to the symptoms of other winter illnesses.
Since the end of summer, the number of respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae has increased in France, with the emergence of pneumonia linked to this bacteria. To support healthcare professionals in their outpatient care, the High Authority of Health (HAS) has just published new recommendations.
“Requested by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the HAS publishes rapid responses in order to support professionals in the diagnosis and care of outpatient patients”, first explains the institution in a press release. “Particularly practical, these rapid responses detail, among other things, the possible treatments and the dosage suitable for children and adults”, she adds.
Support and Mycoplasma pneumoniae: perform a chest x-ray
Firstly, the HAS recommends carrying out a chest x-ray to support the diagnosis and look for possible complications. It also specifies that a radiological delay of 72 hours is possible compared to the start of symptoms.
The HAS also reminds that antibiotic therapy is indicated in cases of suspected M. pneumoniae pneumonia, without waiting for a chest x-ray.
“Macrolides, in particular azithromycin or clarithromycin, are indicated as first-line treatment, with few resistant strains currently in France”continue public health experts. “Antibiotic therapy must be effective within 48 to 72 hours. If this is not the case, the patient’s condition must be reassessed,” they emphasize. “The indications for hospitalization are the same as those for any acute community-acquired pneumonia,” they specify.
Pneumonia at Mycoplasma pneumoniae: “a evolution is favorable in the majority of cases”
Although complications (asthma, severe pneumonia) may occur, the HAS points out that the course of respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae is favorable in the majority of cases, with the cough simply lasting 3 to 4 weeks. “These recommendations, developed on the basis of the knowledge available at the date of their publication, are likely to evolve based on new data,” completes the health agency.
Finally, HAS reaffirms the need to respect barrier gestures and more particularly the wearing of surgical masks for patients and healthcare professionals during epidemics of respiratory infections.
What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infection?
Mild fever, cough, headache, malaise… the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia are comparable to the symptoms of other winter illnesses such as the flu. On the other hand, it is sometimes accompanied by extra-respiratory signs, notably dermatological or neurological.
The unusual increase in cases observed for several weeks could be due to the conjunction between an epidemic cycle and the lifting of control measures after the Covid-19 pandemic. Transmitted mainly by droplets, the bacteria can contaminate people of all age groups, although it more often affects children and adults under 40 years old. Responsible for tonsillitis, rhinopharyngitis and even bronchitis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is, after pneumococcus, the bacteria most frequently involved in acute community-acquired pneumonia (i.e. acquired elsewhere than in the hospital). . According to Santé Publique France, it is even responsible for 30 to 50% of pneumonia in children.