Enterovirus 71 and Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Epidemics in China
Author Information
Author(s): Tan Xiaojuan, Huang Xueyong, Zhu Shuangli, Chen Hui, Yu Qiuli, Wang Haiyan, Huo Xixiang, Zhou Jianhui, Wu Yan, Yan Dongmei, Zhang Yong, Wang Dongyan, Cui Aili, An Hongqiu, Xu Wenbo
Primary Institution: National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
Hypothesis
What are the genetic and epidemiological factors contributing to the recent outbreaks of Enterovirus 71 in China?
Conclusion
The study found that the recent outbreaks of Enterovirus 71 in China were caused by a persistent circulation of subgenotype C4, which has been evolving since 1998.
Supporting Evidence
- The study collected and analyzed 326 VP1 gene sequences of Enterovirus 71 from China.
- Enterovirus 71 has been the predominant strain in mainland China since 1998.
- The majority of severe and fatal cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease were associated with Enterovirus 71 infections.
Takeaway
This study looked at a virus that makes kids sick and found that it has been around for a long time in China, changing a little bit over the years.
Methodology
The study analyzed 326 VP1 gene sequences of Enterovirus 71 collected from 1987 to 2009 in China to understand its evolution and epidemiology.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on genetic data from mainland China and may not represent the global situation of Enterovirus 71.
Participant Demographics
The majority of cases were in children under 5 years old, accounting for over 90% of reported cases.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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