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Increased incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Norway 2011

H Blystad1, G Ånestad, D F Vestrheim

  • 1Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. hans.blystad@fhi.no

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|February 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemics in Europe led to erythromycin shortages. Alternative antibiotics are now recommended to manage these respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemics reported in England, Wales, and Denmark.
  • An increase in M. pneumoniae infections observed in Norway during autumn 2011.
  • These widespread M. pneumoniae outbreaks highlight a growing public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemic in Norway.
  • To address the implications of the epidemic on antibiotic availability.
  • To recommend alternative treatment strategies due to erythromycin shortages.

Main Methods:

  • Epidemiological surveillance of M. pneumoniae infections.
  • Monitoring antibiotic supply chains.
  • Clinical case reviews and treatment guideline updates.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in M. pneumoniae infections occurred in Norway in late 2011.
  • The epidemic caused a shortage of erythromycin, a primary treatment.
  • Alternative antibiotic therapies became necessary for managing M. pneumoniae.

Conclusions:

  • The M. pneumoniae epidemic necessitated a shift in treatment protocols.
  • Ensuring adequate antibiotic stocks is crucial during infectious disease outbreaks.
  • Further research into alternative treatments for M. pneumoniae is warranted.

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