Population-Based Incidence of Infectious Mononucleosis and Related Hospitalizations: 2010 Through 2021

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common viral illness.
• Understanding temporal trends in IM incidence and outcomes is crucial for public health.
• Previous studies have not fully elucidated changes in IM risk and severity over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate temporal trends in the incidence of infectious mononucleosis (IM).
• To examine changes in the risk of serious IM outcomes, specifically hospitalization, over time.
• To identify demographic factors associated with increased risk of IM-related hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective population-based study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (2010-2021).
• Calculated IM incidence and hospitalization rates per 100,000 person-years.
• Employed Poisson regression to analyze trends and assess hospitalization risk factors.

Main Results:

• Overall IM rates decreased significantly across all age groups during the study period.
• Hospitalization rates among individuals diagnosed with IM showed a significant increasing trend over time.
• Younger children (<10 years), older adults (≥20 years), and Hispanic individuals faced higher risks of IM-associated hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Despite declining IM diagnosis rates, the risk of hospitalization for IM cases has risen.
• Age and ethnicity are significant predictors of severe outcomes requiring hospitalization for infectious mononucleosis.
• These findings underscore the need for updated public health strategies addressing evolving IM epidemiology.