Global, regional, and national burden of lower respiratory infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae from 1990 to 2021: analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

The global burden of lower respiratory infections (LRIs) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae remains insufficiently quantified. This study provides estimates of global mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated LRIs from 1990 to 2021. Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Estimates of deaths and DALYs due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated LRIs were analyzed by age, sex, geographical region, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI). Age-standardized rates and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) were calculated to evaluate trends over time. In 2021, Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated LRIs were responsible for an estimated 58,352.68 deaths (95% UI: 51,553.87–64,628.90) and 2,851,404.72 DALYs (95% UI: 2,417,832.52–3,292,823.59) worldwide. Considerable geographical disparities were observed. Mortality followed a bimodal age distribution, peaking in young children and older adults. In most age groups, males showed higher mortality than females. Low-SDI countries carried a disproportionately higher mortality burden. The highly concentrated and inequitable burden of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated LRIs presents a major public health challenge. The pronounced disparities across age, sex, SDI levels, and geographical regions underscore the critical need for targeted policies and optimized resource allocation to address this disproportionate burden.