Independent Predictors of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study Among Hospitalized Adults in an East Texas Health Facility

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia in the United States accounts for over five million cases annually, with an estimated one million hospitalizations. About two million of these annual cases and over 100,000 annual hospitalizations are caused by mycoplasma pneumonia. Although mycoplasma can sometimes present as a benign disease, it can cause severe complications, which are referred to as pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications. This study aims to identify independent predictors of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection among adult patients in our facility in East Texas. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic health record (EPIC Systems). Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine variables independently associated with mycoplasma pneumonia. The main outcome variable was the presence of mycoplasma pneumonia as indicated by serology testing. Results: Among 1714 adult patients in our study population who underwent antibody testing, 297 (17.3%) tested positive for mycoplasma pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia was significantly associated with age, sex, race, season, and tobacco use after controlling for other variables. Adults who do not use tobacco had lower odds of having mycoplasma pneumonia compared to adults who are currently using tobacco (OR = 0.64, C.I. = 0.48–0.75). Also, these adults are more likely to have MP during non-respiratory season as compared to respiratory season (OR = 1.25, C.I. = 1.10–1.61). Conclusions: Tobacco use, season, age, race, and sex were all significant predictors of mycoplasma pneumonia. These findings highlight target areas for health care professionals and organizations to tackle to help improve patient health outcomes.