Etiological characteristics of the other infectious diarrhea in Guangzhou 2015−2020

  Objective  To explore the etiological characteristics of other infectious diarrhea in Guangzhou, and provide evidence for the local prevention and control of these infectious diarrheal diseases.

  Methods  The incidence data of other infectious diarrhea reported by all medical institutions in Guangzhou from January 2015 to December 2020 were collected for a descriptive epidemiological analysis. Rate and constituent were used for statistical analysis, and the comparison of rates was conducted by two sided χ² test.

  Results  From 2015 to 2020, a total of 99 411 cases of other infectious diarrhea were reported in Guangzhou, of which 39 758 cases (39.99%) were diagnosed etiologically. The average annual incidence rate was 101.09/100 000 in the whole population, and 1532.06/100 000 in children under five years old. The lowest incidence rate was reported in Haizhu district (68.14/100 000), and the highest was reported in Panyu district (161.80/100 000). Rotavirus (61.82%), norovirus (12.18%), salmonella (11.92%) and adenovirus (11.01%) were common pathogens. There were significant season, year, area, gender, age and population specific differences in pathogen constituent (χ²=13470.92, 4323.09, 6102.50, 65.98, 6783.00, 16650.41, P<0.05).

  Conclusion  The reported cases of other infectious diarrhea in Guangzhou were mainly scattered children under 5 years old. Rotavirus, norovirus, salmonella and adenovirus were the predominant pathogens in this region. During 2015–2020, other infectious diarrhea spread widely with high incidence in Guangzhou. It is necessary to strengthen the health education about prevention and control of infectious diseases in child care settings and in young children's parents and improve the medical staff's capability to prevent and control infectious diarrhea caused by different pathogens.