Analysis on epidemiology and pathogenic surveillance of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks from 2011 to 2012 in Shenzhen

Abstract

Objective Analyzing epidemiological characteristics and etiology of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks from 2011 to 2012 in Shenzhen to provide the basis for prevention and control of hand, foot and mouth disease. Methods The data about epidemiology of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks was analyzed and Viral RNA was used for enterovirus type 71 (EV71), coxsackie virus type A16(CA16) and Pan-enterovirus (PE) detection by real-time RT-PCR. Results A total of 501 specimens from 160 hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks were collected and detected between 2011 and 2012. EV71 was responsible for 36 outbreaks (22.50%), CA16 was responsible for 52 outbreaks (32.50%) and other enteroviruses were responsible for 40 outbreaks (25%). 84 outbreaks (52.50%) occurred in Nanshan District in Shenzhen and 36 outbreaks (22.50%) occurred in Luohu District in Shenzhen. Outbreaks occurred throughout the year except August between 2011 and 2012.There were two peak periods from March to July and September to November, respectively. The positive rates of male and female are 72.3%and 73.4%, respectively. Conclusion There was variation in hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in different regions and months.There was no significant difference between gender.CA16 was the main causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease in 2011, while non-EV71and non-CA16 human enterovirus were main pathogens of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in 2012. Key words: Hand foot and mouth disease; Clustering in outbreak; Enterovirus type 71(EV71); Coxsackievirus A16(CA16)