Global patterns of syphilis, gonococcal infection, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and leprosy from 1990 to 2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Abstract Background Certain infectious diseases are caused by specific bacterial pathogens, including syphilis, gonorrhea, typhoid and paratyphoid fever, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, leprosy, and tuberculosis. These diseases significantly impact global health, contributing heavily to the disease burden. The study aims to thoroughly evaluate the global burden of syphilis, gonorrhea, typhoid and paratyphoid fever, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and leprosy. Methods Leveraging the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, age-specific and Socio-demographic Index (SDI)-specific incidence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and death for eight specific bacterial infections across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed. Percentage changes in age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), DALY rate, and mortality rate (ASMR) were also examined, with a focus on disease distribution across different regions, age groups, genders, and SDI. Results By 2021, among the eight diseases, gonococcal infection had the highest global ASIR [1096.58 per 100,000 population, 95% uncertainty interval (UI): 838.70, 1385.47 per 100,000 population], and syphilis had the highest global age-standardized DALY rate (107.13 per 100,000 population, 95% UI: 41.77, 212.12 per 100,000 population). Except for syphilis and gonococcal infection, the age-standardized DALY rate of the remaining diseases decreased by at least 55% compared to 1990, with tetanus showing the largest decrease by at least 90%. Globally, significant declines in the ASIR, age-standardized DALY rate, and ASMR for these eight bacterial infections have been observed in association with increases in the SDI. Regions with lower SDI, such as sub-Saharan Africa, experienced a relatively higher burden of these eight bacterial infections. Conclusions Although there has been an overall decline in these eight diseases, they continue to pose significant public health challenges, particularly in low SDI regions. To further reduce this burden in these areas, targeted intervention strategies are essential, including multi-sectoral collaboration, policy support, improved WASH management, and enhanced research efforts. Graphical Abstract