Economic burden of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Jinhua City, China: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection is a major cause of respiratory tract infections, particularly among children. However, quantitative evidence regarding its economic burden in China remains limited.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed in Jinhua, China. Between October 2024 and March 2025, patients with laboratory-confirmed MP infection were enrolled using a multistage stratified random sampling approach. Data regarding direct, indirect, and intangible costs were collected via structured questionnaires and hospital information systems. Univariate analyses and generalized linear models (GLM) with a gamma distribution and log link function were employed to explore factors associated with the economic burden of MP infection.

RESULTS

A total of 582 patients were included, comprising 372 outpatients and 210 inpatients. The mean total cost per inpatient (¥6,289.21) was 7.69 times higher than that of outpatients (¥817.66). Among outpatients, direct and indirect medical costs contributed almost equally to the total expenditure, whereas inpatient costs were dominated by direct medical expenses. The median intangible cost was ¥5,000 for outpatients and ¥8,000 for inpatients. GLM analysis showed that prolonged disease duration, higher household income, and payment method were significantly associated with increased economic burden (p < 0.05). Among inpatients, chronic comorbidities were also a significant determinant (p < 0.05). Total costs increased progressively with longer disease duration.

CONCLUSION

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection imposes a considerable economic burden on patients in China, particularly among children, with cost structures differing between outpatient and inpatient settings. Early diagnosis, improved outpatient reimbursement policies, and future MP vaccine development may help reduce the economic burden.