Prevalence and Genotypes of Rotavirus A and Human Adenovirus among Hospitalized Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Fujian, China, 2009-2017

Gastroenteritis is an infectious diarrhea that has been considered as an important cause of hospitalizations and death in children aged < 5 years, particularly in developing countries. Unsanitary water, contaminated food, poor hygiene, and inadequate disposal of waste and feces are all risk factors for gastroenteritis, resulting in the higher incidence in developing countries. Gastroenteritis is generally caused by viral infections, among which rotavirus (RV) infections have been reported to be the most common, especially among young children aged < 5 years with acute gastroenteritis in Asia and Africa[1]. Other viruses associated with acute gastroenteritis include human Adenovirus (HAdV), Norovirus, Sapovirus (SaV), human Astrovirus (HAstV), and Aichi virus. Recent research has reported that adenovirus types 40 and 41, belonging to species F, cause gastroenteritis and were therefore termed as enteric adenoviruses. In addition, non-enteric HAdV species such as A, B, C, and D have been associated with diarrheal.

Frequent Import and Multiple Sources of Dengue Fever have Changed the Epidemic Situation of the Disease in Fujian Province,China

Objective The aim of this study was to update the epidemic situation of dengue fever(DF) and provide new insights for the consideration of disease control in Fujian province,China.Methods Details about DF cases in Fujian reported during 2004–2017 were collected and analyzed.The envelope(E) genes of isolates of dengue virus(DENV) were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis.Results The number of imported DF cases had increased dramatically since 2013,and the source regions expanded from Southeast Asia to South Asia,America,Oceania,and Africa,as well as the surrounding provinces.This resulted in local outbreaks and indigenous cases of DF that occurred more frequently,with 10 of 13 local outbreaks and 85.9%(1,252/1,458) of indigenous cases reported in2013–2017.Compared with only two coastal cities before 2013,four coastal and one inland city in 2013–2017 experienced the local DF outbreaks.The phylogenetic analysis of E genes confirmed that the import of DENV,not only from abroad but also from the surrounding provinces,played an important role in dissemination and local outbreaks of DF in Fujian.Conclusions The frequent import of DF cases from not only abroad but also the surrounding provinces resulted in increased incidence,frequent local outbreaks,and expansion of distribution in Fujian in recent years.There is a need for urgent measures to improve disease control in this province.

RT-nPCR Assays for Amplification and Sequencing of VP1 Genes in Human Enterovirus A–D from Clinical Specimens

Objective To develop RT-nPCR assays for amplifying partial and complete VP1 genes of human enteroviruses(HEVs)from clinical samples and to contribute to etiological surveillance of HEV-related diseases.Methods A panel of RT-nPCR assays,consisting of published combined primer pairs for VP1 genes of HEV A–C and in-house designed primers for HEV-D,was established in this study.The sensitivity of each RT-nPCR assay was evaluated with serially diluted virus stocks of five serotypes expressed as CCID50 perμL and copies perμL,and the newly established methods were tested in clinical specimens collected in recent years.Results The sensitivity of RT-nPCR assays for amplifying partial VP1 gene of HEVs was 0.1 CCID50 perμL and 10 virus copies perμL,and for the complete VP1 gene was 1 CCID50 perμL and 100 virus copies perμL,using serially-diluted virus stocks of five serotypes.As a proof-of-concept,25 serotypes were identified and complete VP1 sequences of 23 serotypes were obtained by this system among 858 clinical specimens positive for HEVs during the past eight surveillance seasons.Conclusion This RT-nPCR system is capable of amplifying the partial and complete VP1 gene of HEV A–D,providing rapid,sensitive,and reliable options for molecular typing and molecular epidemiology of HEVs in clinical specimens.

Molecular Epidemiology of Coxsackievirus B1-5 Associated with HFMD in Fujian Province, China, 2011-2016

Hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD)is a common infectious disease that usually affects children less than 5 years of age.HFMD is caused by human enteroviruses(HEVs).HEVs,members of the Enterovirus genus of the Picornaviridae(small RNA virus)family.