Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in infectious diarrhea patients in Taizhou, 2015−2016

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rotavirus infection and molecular characteristics of rotavirus in Taizhou, Zhejiang province.MethodsStool samples and information of patients with infectious diarrhea were collected from 2 sentinel hospitals in Taizhou from 2015–2016. The dual-fluorescence PCR was used to detect A/B group rotaviruses. The G/P genotyping and sequencing of all group A rotavirus-positive samples were performed. The homology and phylogenetic relationship of VP7 gene of major types were analyzed.ResultsEighty-one strains of rotaviruses were detected in 1 589 diarrhea samples (5.10%), in which group A rotavirus accounted for 98.77% (80/81) and group B rotavirus accounted for 1.23% (1/81). The results showed the differences in incidence of rotavirus infection among age groups, seasons and occupations were significant, but there were no gender and living place specific significant differences. The group A rotavirus genotype mainly included G9P［8］(53.75%), G2P［4］(25.00%), G3P［8］ (11.25%), G1P［8］(2.50%), G4P［6］(2.50%). The study showed that G9P［8］ genotype was mainly G9-Ⅵsubtype according to the homology and evolutionary analysis of VP7 gene. The rotaviruses with same genotype were highly homogenous.ConclusionRotavirus is a common pathogen causing diarrhea in Taizhou. Genotyping and evolution analysis showed the diversity and stability of group A rotavirus in this area. It is suggested to include G9 type rotavirus into vaccine strains, and conduct consecutive etiological surveillance in susceptible populations, especially young children.