Performance of measles and rubella laboratory network in Beijing, 2014−2021

  Objective  To evaluate the performance of measles and rubella laboratory network in Beijing from 2014 to 2021.

  Methods  The data about the performance of measles and rubella laboratory network in Beijing from 2014 to 2021, including case diagnosis, etiological analysis, virus genotype, assessment results, were collected for a statistical analysis.

  Results  The network consisted of 21 laboratories, including 1 in municipal CDC, 16 in district CDCs and 4 in medical institutions. The laboratories at all levels were classified according to their responsibilities and testing time limits. From 2014 to 2021, a total of 12 229 serum samples of measles and rubella cases were detected by the laboratory network, the measles-positive rate was 19.32% and the rubella-positive rate was 7.10%. From 2014 to 2021, a total of 8 100 nucleic acid samples were detected by the laboratory network, the measles-positive rate was 23.72% and the rubella-positive rate was 8.63%. The genotypes of 1705 measles virus strains were sequenced, and the results showed that 1687 strains belonged to genotype H1a, 11 strains belonged to genotype D8, 2 strains belonged to genotype B3, and 5 were vaccine strains. A total of 37 rubella virus strains were genotyped, and the results showed that there were 13 strains of genotype 1E and 24 strains of genotype 2B. Quality control and technical training were carried out every year for the laboratory network, and the assessment results of all laboratories were good.

  Conclusion  The performance of measles and rubella laboratory network in Beijing was well, and the sensitivity of diagnosis and surveillance capability of laboratories have been improved continuously by updating of detection techniques. The accuracy and efficiency of laboratory data are ensured by strict quality control, providing strong technical support for measles elimination and rubella prevention and control in Beijing.