Only 3%. At this stage, a tiny minority develop pneumonia caused by bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae In France, there is a resistance to macrolides, the antibiotics initially used against macrolides, according to the bacteriology laboratory of the Bordeaux University Hospital, which is responsible for monitoring the phenomenon. But it is a risk that Public Health France (SPF) is monitoring “closely”said Isabelle Parent, head of the respiratory infections and vaccinations department at the health department, because if resistance increased, it would be more difficult to treat patients.
According to two bulletins published on Wednesday December 20 by SPF, the number of pneumonia in children remains at a high level this winter “very superior” compared to previous years, even if the epidemic appears to be declining. From December 11 to 17, the emergency room and SOS doctors associations recorded a decrease in activity related to these lung infections in children aged 2 to 14 years compared to the previous week – by -8% and -5%, respectively . However, for this reason, medical activity remains about twice as high as in previous seasons, which was already the case at the end of November.
Most mild infections
According to MMe Parent, Mycoplasma pneumoniae “probably plays a pretty important role” in this epidemic. According to the Renal Network, which brings together hospital biology laboratories, the detection rate of the bacteria in samples remained below 1% until the end of July. before rising to 7.5% in late November. A “vast majority” Infections Mycoplasma pneumoniae are benign and disappear without treatment, reminded the Directorate General of Health on November 24th. Otherwise, macrolides are used, especially azithromycin.
Through genetic mutation Mycoplasma pneumoniae is capable of developing resistance to these drugs. However, apart from macrolides, therapeutic options are limited. In contrast to other bacteria, mycoplasmas have no wall and are therefore insensitive to drugs from the mycoplasma family Beta-lactams such as amoxicillin. So, “An entire area of antibiotic therapy is naturally inaccessible”emphasizes Jean-Christophe Giard, professor of bacteriology at the University of Caen and member of the National Academy of Pharmacy.
Stronger molecules – tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones – allow the fight against macrolide-resistant strains, but are not without the risk of adverse effects such as tooth enamel discoloration in children, tendinopathy or cardiovascular risks. “They are not recommended for young patients, remembers Mr. Giard, and require increased monitoring, making treatments somewhat more complicated. »
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