Jakarta IO – The world was shocked by the news of increasing cases of pneumonia in Denmark, England, and several European countries, following hundreds of cases in China in October 2023. Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lungs caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It is historically one of the main health problems in Southeast Asia. New cases vary, at around 1.5 to 14 cases per 1,000 population. In the general population, the mortality rate among hospitalized patients is reported to be 7.6%.
According to 2017 data in Indonesia, pneumonia is the main cause of death in children aged 5, reaching 15% of all child deaths. The incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was 8.61% before the Covid-19 pandemic, which decreased to 1.69% (2021) and 0.7% (2022), respectively, as health protocols increased.
“Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a small bacteria, has a short genome, which can be transmitted via airborne droplets. In contrast to other bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae does not have a cell wall so it is not sensitive to lactam antibiotics and thus cannot by diagnosed by ordinary Gram tests. Examination is only possible via X-ray, to see infiltrates in the perivascular interstitial and opacity (cloudiness) in the reticulonodular area or mass-like nodules. Other examinations include hematology, PCR, culture, or antibodies,” explained Prof. Dr. dr. Erlina Burhan, Sp.P(K), M.Sc., in a press conference with the theme “Beware of the Threat of Mycoplasma pneumoniae” in collaboration with the Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI), Persahabatan Hospital, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, and Sulianti Saroso Hospital, which was held on Friday (1/12/2023).
How does Mycoplasma pneumoniae infect the body?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria is an extracellular pathogen that relies heavily on the epithelium of the respiratory system and its virulence factors to survive. “Mycoplasma pneumoniae produces hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, substances that are harmful to cells. The production of both causes damage to the epithelial cells and surrounding cilia. Symptoms generally appear 1-4 weeks after a human is infected with bacteria. Symptoms in the general population include a worsening cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever, headache, and pleural effusion or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Meanwhile, symptoms in children under 5 years occur in the form of sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, wheezing, and vomiting or diarrhea,” she explained.
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The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control, on November 27 issued Circular Letter Number PM.03.01/C/4632/2023 concerning Precautions against the Incident of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae in Indonesia. Tuesday (5/12/2023) The Ministry of Health is carrying out verification and sample testing, regarding reports of three children in Jakarta experiencing pneumonia. The DKI Jakarta Health Service is currently conducting further epidemiological investigations.
As Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an atypical germ, the medication prescribed is an antibiotic. “A physician will also give medicine to relieve symptoms, including paracetamol for fever. The important thing is that the patient gets adequate hydration and gets enough rest. There’s no need to panic, but be alert by continuing good habits such as quitting smoking, consuming nutritious food, exercising regularly, and wearing a mask when in crowds,” she concluded. (est)