Rotavirus infection status among patients with diarrhea in Futian, Shenzhen,2011-2013

Objective To investigate the infection status of rotavirus in Futian district of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Methods Stool samples were collected from suspected viral diarrhea patients in Futian. Rotaviruses were detected by using real time polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR). Results From January 2011 to December 2013, a total of 1728 stool samples were collected, the overall detection rate of rotavirus was 18.29%(316/1728), while the annual detection rates were 22.16%(115/519),13.13%(73/556), and 19.60%(128/653) respectively. The detected rate of rotavirus was 18.53% among males(184/993) and 19.96% among females(132/735). The detection rate was highest in winter(34.79%, 167/480), followed by autumn(20.67%, 87/421), while the detection rate was low in spring and summer. The detection rate was significantly higher in age group 0-5 years(21.01%) than in age group5 years(13.46%). Conclusion Rotavirus was one of the major pathogens causing viral diarrhea in Futian district, while the detection rates showed marked fluctuation from 2011 to 2013. The rotavirus infection had obvious seasonality with incidence peak in winter. Infants and young children were more susceptible. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of viral diarrhea caused by rotavirus, especially among infants and young children.