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Medical research

Burden of Microbial Pathogens-Associated Infectious Diseases in Asian Older Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research by Zhejiang University School of Medicine highlights the significant threat of microbial pathogens to older adults in Asia, with over 60% of the world's older adults residing in the continent. The study leverages Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data to quantify the burden attributable to 34 microbial pathogens in older adults across Asia. The findings indicate that Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) was the leading cause of infectious disease burden, with 175,929 deaths and 2,799,883 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2021.

Key Takeaways:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) was the leading cause of infectious disease burden among older adults in Asia, with 175,929 deaths and 2,799,883 DALYs in 2021.
  • The burden of microbial pathogens-associated infectious diseases varied across regions, with Cambodia having the highest age-standardized DALYs rate and high-SDI countries like Qatar having lower mortality.
  • A strong inverse correlation was observed between Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) and pathogens burden, with the SDI inverse gradient being strongest for diarrhoeal disease and meningitis, and weaker for lower respiratory infections.
  • Subregional heterogeneity persisted after age-standardization, implying drivers beyond SDI.
  • The research highlights the need to prioritize adult pneumococcal vaccination programs, strengthen hospital infection-prevention and control, and invest in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • 60% of the world's older adults reside in Asia.
  • 175,929 deaths and 2,799,883 DALYs were attributed to S. pneumoniae in 2021.
  • The highest age-standardized DALYs rate was observed in Cambodia (18,186.08 per 100,000).
  • The Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) inverse gradient was strongest for diarrhoeal disease and meningitis.
  • The SDI inverse gradient was weakest for lower respiratory infections.

Sources:

  • Burden of microbial pathogens-associated infectious diseases in Asian older adults: a systematic analysis derived from the global burden of disease 2021. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025, 13.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1648877
  • Frontiers in Public Health - http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/public-health

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