7 pneumonia cases in AIIMS Delhi have no link to China respiratory infections: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on Thursday, December 7 clarified that the detection of seven pneumonia samples at AIIMS Delhi has no link to the recent surge in respiratory illness in Chinese children. The seven cases were detected in a six-month period, from April to September 2023.

"The seven cases have been detected as a part of an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi in the six months (April to September 2023) and are no cause for worry," the press release from PIB said.

What

• According to the Health Ministry, since January 2023, the Department of Microbiology at AIIMS Delhi conducted surveillance on 611 samples as part of the ICMR's monitoring of various respiratory pathogens.
• The focus was primarily on severe acute respiratory illness (SARI).
• Through real-time PCR testing, no instances of Mycoplasma pneumonia were identified, the release added.
• The Ministry also said Mycoplasma pneumonia is a common bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia, contributing to around 15-30% of such infections.

• The Union Health Ministry said it remains actively engaged with state health authorities, maintaining vigilant monitoring of the situation daily.

• No upsurge in this regard has been reported from any part of India, the statement clarified.

According to a November 23 Lancet Microbe Journal report, AIIMS Delhi detected Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven samples collected between April and September 2023.

However, the samples tested between April and September 2023 have no link to the surge in respiratory illness in China.

Detection methods and positivity rates

• The detection methods employed at AIIMS Delhi included PCR tests conducted in the early stages of infection and IgM Elisa tests at later stages.
• The positivity rates for PCR and IgM Elisa were reported as 3% and 16%, respectively.
• Dr Rama Chaudhry, former head of the microbiology department at AIIMS Delhi, told TOI, "India needs to expand surveillance for detection of Mycoplasma pneumonia."

Following the outbreak in China a few weeks ago, five states, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had heightened readiness. The Centre also urged the states to assess their public health infrastructure.

Global monitoring

• AIIMS Delhi is a participant in a global consortium monitoring the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Other members of the consortium include France, Taiwan, Switzerland, the USA, Australia, Germany and others.
• The pneumonia caused by this bacterium is usually mild, that's why it is also referred to as 'walking pneumonia', but severe cases can also happen, Dr Chaudhry told TOI.
• The Lancet report also chalked out the challenges in predicting the severity and progression of re-emergence of the same.

Need for surveillance

• Currently, testing and surveillance for Mycoplasma pneumonia are limited to AIIMS Delhi and NIMS University, Jaipur.
• The Lancet report also talked about the importance of comprehensive surveillance to evaluate whether the cases could escalate to epidemic levels.

Precautions

• While the situation is not as alarming in India, doctors have been asked to take necessary precautions to prevent potential outbreaks.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young adults and school-aged children are most vulnerable to its infection, but can affect anyone.