Fresh China outbreak attributed to multiple known pathogens

November 27, 2023
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN Topics

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Fresh China outbreak attributed to multiple known pathogens

Subject : Science and Tech

Section: Health

Context:

China has set at rest fears surrounding its recent outbreak of a mysterious pneumonia-like illness and informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that there has been a general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens in some parts of the country.

Details:

As per the information provided by Chian, the causes of illness are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus and influenza virus.
Surveillance data provided by the National Influenza Centre in China to the WHO’s FluNet revealed that influenza-like illnesses (ILI) exceeded usual levels for this time of the year and are increasing in the country’s northern provinces. The viruses identified commonly were of A (H3N2) and B/Victoria lineage.
According to WHO’s risk assessment, there is not enough information available to characterise the overall rise in cases of respiratory illnesses seen in children.
The WHO has recommended vaccines against influenza and maintaining appropriate social distancing from people who are ill, getting tested and medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation, and practising regular hand washing.

Pathogens	Description
1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae	It is a very small bacterium in the class Mollicutes. It is a human pathogen that causes the disease mycoplasma pneumonia, a form of atypical bacterial pneumonia related to cold agglutinin disease. M. pneumoniae is characterized by the absence of a peptidoglycan cell wall and resulting resistance to many antibacterial agents. The persistence of M. pneumoniae infections even after treatment is associated with its ability to mimic host cell surface composition.
2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)	It is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.
3. Adenovirus	Members of the family Adenoviridae These are medium-sized, nonenveloped (without an outer lipid bilayer) viruses with an icosahedral nucleocapsid containing a double-stranded DNA genome. They have a broad range of vertebrate hosts; in humans, more than 50 distinct adenoviral serotypes have been found to cause a wide range of illnesses, from mild respiratory infections in young children (known as the common cold) to life-threatening multi-organ disease in people with a weakened immune system.
4. Influenza virus	A common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu (or Influenza) attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases or weak immune systems are at high risk.

Source: Down To Earth