Detection of rash and fever illness associated viruses in suspected measles cases in Beijing from 2017 to 2018

Abstract

Objective To detect rash and fever illness (RFIs) associated viruses in suspected measles cases, and to explore the pathogenic spectrum among suspected measles cases in the elimination stage of measles. Methods A total of 406 pharyngeal swab samples of suspected measles cases in Beijing from 2017 to 2018 were collected. The nucleic acids of 11 RFIs associated viruses, including measles virus, rubella virus, varicella-zoster virus, human parvovirus B19, EB virus and other enteroviruses were detected by real-time PCR. Results Ten viruses, except for enterovirus 71, were detected. One hundred and forty-five cases were positive, with an overall positive rate of 35.71%. The top three viruses after measles virus and rubella virus were 13 cases of herpes simplex virus 6 (3.20%), 12 cases of EB virus (2.96%) and 10 cases of human parvovirus B19 (2.46%). Tweenty-one cases were positive for other enteroviruses and the positive rate was 5.17%. The cases infected measles virus, rubella virus, varicella-zoster virus, human parvovirus B19 and other enteroviruses were mainly adults, while the proportions of EB virus, herpes simplex virus 6 and coxsackievirus A6 infections in children and in adults were similar. Conclusion Infections by 10 viruses, except for enterovirus 71 may cause symptoms similar to measles and may be clinically diagnosed as measles. Other enteroviruses can also cause measles-like systemic rash diseases, and the proportion was high. Key words: Measles; Suspected cases; Rash and fever illness; Viral nucleic acid