Correlation between climatic factors and incidence of melioidosis in Sanya, Hainan

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of climatic factors on the incidence of melioidosis, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of melioidosis.

MethodsThe average incidence data of melioidosis in Sanya of Hainan from 2013 to 2017 was analyzed, and univariate correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise regression analysis were performed on three research variables, i.e. precipitation, wind speed and air temperature, which might affect the incidence of melioidosis.

ResultsIn this study, a total 123 patients with melioidosis were included in the analysis. The average age of the patients was 51.20 years, and those aged 41–60 years accounted for 53.66%. More cases occurred in males than in females, accounting for 81.30%. Sepsis occurred in 79 cases (64.23%) and pneumonia in 64 cases (52.03%). The incidence peak period was during July-October, and 66.67% of the cases occurred during this period. Univariate correlation analysis showed that the incidence of melioidosis was significantly correlated with mean precipitation and wind speed (r＝0.765, P＝0.004; r＝0.614, P＝0.034), and there was no significant correlation with air temperature (r＝0.358, P＝0.258). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that the incidence of melioidosis was significantly correlated with mean precipitation and wind speed (P＝0.001).

ConclusionThe climate is an important factor affecting the incidence of melioidosis in Sanya, and the precipitation is positively correlated with the case number. When the wind speed is high, the spread of melioidosis is accelerated. The air temperature fluctuation in Sanya is small throughout the year, and has no significant correlation with the case number.