Mycoplasmosis (mycoplasmal infection) in children

Mycoplasma infection (mycoplasmosis) in children is an acute infectious disease of humans and animals caused by mycoplasmas - unique microorganisms that occupy an intermediate position between viruses and bacteria in their biological properties.

ICD-10 code

A49.3 Mycoplasma infection, unspecified.

Epidemiology

The source of infection is a sick person or a healthy carrier of mycoplasma. The main route of transmission is airborne. Transmission of infection through household items and toys is possible, but this is of limited importance due to the instability of mycoplasma.

The greatest number of cases is registered in the cold season (from October to February). However, epidemic outbreaks in organized groups can also be registered in the summer. The circulation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae increases sharply in newly formed groups. About half of the children become infected in the first 3-4 months. The maximum incidence of the disease occurs in people over 10 years of age.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Causes of mycoplasmosis in children

Mycoplasmas belong to an independent class of microorganisms - more than 40 species of this family are known. Most of them cause diseases in animals and birds. In humans, 6 types of mycoplasmas are mainly found: M. pneumoniae, M. hominis, M. orale, M. salivarium, M. fermentans and T-mycoplasmas. M. pneumoniae is considered pathogenic, M. hominis and the T-group of mycoplasmas are considered opportunistic. The remaining species are known as commensals. Mycoplasmas can cause damage to the respiratory organs, heart, joints, central nervous system and genitourinary system. Of all the mycoplasmas, M. pneumoniae has been studied the most - it is the causative agent of acute respiratory infections, focal pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup, polyarthritis, meningitis, etc.

What causes mycoplasmosis?

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in children

The incubation period lasts 1-3 weeks, sometimes 4-5 weeks. The disease can occur in various clinical forms: from mild catarrh of the upper respiratory tract to severe confluent pneumonia.

Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract begins gradually, with a rise in body temperature to subfebrile values, runny nose, loss of appetite, dry, painful cough. Older children complain of general weakness, malaise, chills, aches, headache, dryness and sore throat. In the following days, body temperature often rises, reaching a maximum of 38-39 ° C on the 3rd-4th or even on the 5th-6th day from the onset of the disease. At the height of clinical manifestations, pallor of the face, sometimes hyperemia of the conjunctiva, injection of scleral vessels are noted. Headache, dizziness, chills, sleep disturbance, sweating, pain in the eyeballs, sometimes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, some enlargement of the liver, lymphadenopathy are possible.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis (mycoplasma infection)

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in children

The diagnosis is established on the basis of the gradual onset of the disease, a painful cough, prolonged fever with minor intoxication and mild catarrhal symptoms, the consistent occurrence of signs of damage to the bronchopulmonary system up to the appearance of low-symptom (atypical) pneumonia, some enlargement of the lymph nodes, and a long course of the disease.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in children

In mild forms, treatment is symptomatic. Ibuprofen syrup, paracetamol, antihistamines, vitamin complex, plenty of fluids, hot foot baths, ozokerite boots, expectorant mixtures, mucaltin, etc. are prescribed orally.

Diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasmosis (mycoplasma infection)

Prevention of mycoplasmosis in children

In the center of infection, early isolation of the patient and implementation of general preventive measures are important. Specific prevention has not been developed.