Research Note: Pathogenetic characteristics of avian encephalomyelitis virus in Guangdong and Jiangxi Provinces, China

In recent years, the infection rate of avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) infection in chickens has risen significantly, seriously endangering the development of the chicken industry. In order to study the current epidemiological status of AEV in China as well as the genetic and evolutionary patterns of the virus, we conducted a survey and genomic analysis of chicken AEV. The results showed that 46.26% (136/294) of the tissue samples tested (n = 294) were positive for AEV, with the highest positivity rate of 62.24% (61/98) among tissue samples from chickens aged 13 to 18 wk. The complete genomes of 2 representative AEV strains were determined, and the VP1 evolutionary tree results revealed that the 2 representative strains belonged to a novel AEV strain. Multiple alignment analysis showed that the ORF1 genes of the 2 representative strains differed by 82.3 to 99.9% at the amino acid level compared with the reference AEV strain, and the mutations at the key amino acid loci of VP2 and VP3 were the same as those in the chick embryo-adapted strain. The analysis makes up for the molecular epidemiological data and genetic variation of the 2 representative strains. The analysis makes up for the molecular epidemiological data and genetic variation of AEV and provides a basis for further understanding the spread of AEV in China.

Epidemiological characteristics of HIV transmission in southeastern China from 2015 to 2020 based on HIV molecular network

Objective

HIV/AIDS remains a global public health problem, and understanding the structure of social networks of people living with HIV/AIDS is of great importance to unravel HIV transmission, propose precision control and reduce new infections. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of HIV transmission in Fujian province, southeastern China from 2015 to 2020 based on HIV molecular network.

Methods

Newly diagnosed, treatment-naive HIV/AIDS patients were randomly sampled from Fujian province in 2015 and 2020. Plasma was sampled for in-house genotyping resistance test, and HIV molecular network was created using the HIV-TRACE tool. Factors affecting the inclusion of variables in the HIV molecular network were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 1,714 eligible cases were finally recruited, including 806 cases in 2015 and 908 cases in 2020. The dominant HIV subtypes were CRF01_AE (41.7%) and CRF07_BC (38.3%) in 2015 and CRF07_BC (53. 3%) and CRF01_AE (29.1%) in 2020, and the prevalence of HIV drug resistance was 4.2% in 2015 and 5.3% in 2020. Sequences of CRF07_BC formed the largest HIV-1 transmission cluster at a genetic distance threshold of both 1.5 and 0.5%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that ages of under 20 years and over 60 years, CRF07_BC subtype, Han ethnicity, sampling in 2015, absence of HIV drug resistance, married with spouse, sampling from three cities of Jinjiang, Nanping and Quanzhou resulted in higher proportions of sequences included in the HIV transmission molecular network at a genetic distance threshold of 1.5% (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings unravel the HIV molecular transmission network of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in Fujian province, southeastern China, which facilitates the understanding of HIV transmission patterns in the province.

The Characteristic of Recurrent Malaria Episode: An Observational Study in Timika Papua

BACKGROUND

People living in malaria endemic areas are at risk of suffering from the recurrent malaria episodes. The recurrent episode of malaria can be determined by various factors and will bring some serious impacts on all life aspects. This study aims to identify malaria demographics and factors associated with the recurrent episodes of malaria in Timika, Papua.

METHODS

This observational study used medical record data from the Naena Muktipura Sub-District Health Center, Timika Papua in 2020. Plasmodium infection was identified based upon microscopic examination. Subjects were then categorized into positive and negative malaria followed by the determination of the positivity rate. Each case of malaria was traced regarding frequency, time, and type of Plasmodium. The recurrent episodes of malaria were defined as Plasmodium infections occurred more than once in a year. Demographic data including age, sex, and ethnicity were then analyzed using Chi square.

RESULTS

The incidence of recurrent malaria in Timika Papua was 16% with the highest positivity rate occurred in June. The most recurrent episodes of malaria were 2 episodes (77.2%) in which men were more at risk (OR 2.512). Meanwhile, ethnicity and age were not associated with recurrent episodes. Most of recurrent episodes of malaria are caused by the similar plasmodium species, particularly Plasmodium falciparum (82.25%) with the shortest interval between episodes of 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Malaria is mostly experienced by men, of productive age and Javanese ethnicity. Men were found more at risk of experiencing recurrent episodes of malaria. The identification of these demographic factors is important to issue the policies on malaria elimination and malaria transmission termination in Timika, Papua.

Epidemiological characteristics of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic at a single tertiary hospital

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are common but can lead to devastating outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia, it is thought that the burden of traumatic MSK injuries is minimized.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the epidemiological characteristics of traumatic MSK injuries during the lockdown period in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective descriptive study included all patients who were admitted to the orthopedic department at a single tertiary hospital level 1 trauma center due to traumatic injuries from March 23 to June 21, 2020.

Results

The study included 92 patients. The majority were male (68.5%). The most common comorbidity was hypertension (30.4%). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (47%). The most common sites to be fractured were the proximal femur (22.8%) followed by the distal tibia/fibula (14%). Skull fractures (12%), rib fractures (6.5%), and pneumothorax (6.5%) were the most common associated injuries. Age and the number of injuries were significant predictors of increased length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Major considerations for primary prevention must be taken into account during long periods of time with no direct patient interaction. Patient education is important to help avoid any burden that might be caused by otherwise preventable injuries. Further studies should be conducted to assess this phenomenon more in depth and to establish the appropriate method of educating patients on primary prevention.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the Republic of Korea, 2014-2019

This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of six epidemics of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Republic of Korea between 2014 and 2019. A total of 223 outbreaks had been confirmed in 40 municipalities across nine provinces. Most farms with FMD (194, 87%) were located in three densely populated livestock areas (Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeonggi-do, and Chungcheongbuk-do). More cases of FMD were found in farms with more than 1,000 pigs or 50 cattle (risk ratios = 1.27 for pigs; 9.46 for Korean native cattle) and fattening pigs. In farms affected by FMD, the proportion of animals with vaccine antibodies was low (5%-50% for Korean native beef cattle farms with FMD in 2017 vs. 97.5% in the surveillance in 2016). Effective control of FMD can be achieved through strict biosecurity measures, proper vaccination, regionalized management, and instilling awareness of FMD prevention in farmers.

[Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection in Chongqing, China, from 2013 to 2018: an analysis of 2 066 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the detection rate, epidemic pattern, and clinical features of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI).

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children with ALRI, aged < 2 years, who were hospitalized in Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2013 to May 2018. Multiplex PCR was used to detect 16 common respiratory viruses. The epidemiological characteristics of RSV were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2 066 hospitalized children with ALRI were enrolled. Among the children, 1 595 (77.20%) tested positive for virus and 826 (39.98%) tested positive for RSV [410(49.6%) positive for RSV-A, 414 (50.1%) positive for RSV-B, and 2 (0.2%) positive for both RSV-A and RSV-B]. RSV-B was the main subtype detected in 2013-2014 and 2016-2017, while RSV-A was the main subtype in 2014-2015 and 2017-2018, and these two subtypes were prevalent in 2015-2016. The highest detection rate of RSV was noted in winter. RSV + human rhinovirus was the most common combination of viruses and was detected in 123 children. These children were more likely to develop wheezing than those with single RSV detected (P=0.030). A total of 298 samples were detected with single RSV, 148 were detected with RSV mixed with other viruses, 389 were detected with other viruses, and 241 were detected negative for viruses. Compared with the other viruses and negative virus groups, the single RSV group had a significantly younger age and significantly higher incidence rates of dyspnea, respiratory failure, and severe lower respiratory tract infection (P < 0.0083). The RSV-A positive group had a significantly higher proportion of boys than the RSV-B positive group (P=0.004), but there were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In Chongqing in 2013-2018, RSV-A and RSV-B not only can predominate alternately, but also can co-circulate during a season. RSV is the major viral pathogen of hospitalized children with ALRI and can cause severe lower respiratory tract infection. There are no differences in clinical manifestations between children with RSV-A infection and those with RSV-B infection, but boys are more susceptible to RSV-A infection.

[Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection in Chongqing, China, from 2013 to 2018: an analysis of 2 066 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the detection rate, epidemic pattern, and clinical features of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI).

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children with ALRI, aged < 2 years, who were hospitalized in Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2013 to May 2018. Multiplex PCR was used to detect 16 common respiratory viruses. The epidemiological characteristics of RSV were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2 066 hospitalized children with ALRI were enrolled. Among the children, 1 595 (77.20%) tested positive for virus and 826 (39.98%) tested positive for RSV [410(49.6%) positive for RSV-A, 414 (50.1%) positive for RSV-B, and 2 (0.2%) positive for both RSV-A and RSV-B]. RSV-B was the main subtype detected in 2013-2014 and 2016-2017, while RSV-A was the main subtype in 2014-2015 and 2017-2018, and these two subtypes were prevalent in 2015-2016. The highest detection rate of RSV was noted in winter. RSV + human rhinovirus was the most common combination of viruses and was detected in 123 children. These children were more likely to develop wheezing than those with single RSV detected (P=0.030). A total of 298 samples were detected with single RSV, 148 were detected with RSV mixed with other viruses, 389 were detected with other viruses, and 241 were detected negative for viruses. Compared with the other viruses and negative virus groups, the single RSV group had a significantly younger age and significantly higher incidence rates of dyspnea, respiratory failure, and severe lower respiratory tract infection (P < 0.0083). The RSV-A positive group had a significantly higher proportion of boys than the RSV-B positive group (P=0.004), but there were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In Chongqing in 2013-2018, RSV-A and RSV-B not only can predominate alternately, but also can co-circulate during a season. RSV is the major viral pathogen of hospitalized children with ALRI and can cause severe lower respiratory tract infection. There are no differences in clinical manifestations between children with RSV-A infection and those with RSV-B infection, but boys are more susceptible to RSV-A infection.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease in Changsha City, China, 2009-2017: a new method to analyse the epidemiological characteristics of the disease

Objectives: By adopting a new method, this study aimed to analyse the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in nine districts and counties (cities) of Changsha City, China, from 2009 to 2017.Methods: The reported HFMD cases were collected in Changsha from 2009 to 2017. The traditional descriptive method and a new method (index system) including six indices (richness index N, Simpson diversity index D, Shannon diversity index H, Berger-Parker dominance index d, Shannon evenness index E, and Morisita-Horn similarity index C) were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD in Changsha.Results: There were 214155 HFMD reported in Changsha during the study period. The incidence of the disease was higher in even-numbered years (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016) than in uneven-numbered years (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017), with two peaks in May to June and October to November every year. The age of onset was mainly from 0 to 5 years old, and the death was mainly from 0 to 2 years old. According to occupational classification, districts and counties (cities) had a high degree of similarity of the composition of HFMD, and there was no regional difference.Conclusions: Changsha had a yearly increasing trend of HFMD from 2009 to 2017, and the key population for prevention and control was children aged in 0-5 years old. Seasonal distribution of high incidence and peak incidence were occurred in even-numbered years. The sub-regions of the city shared moderate diversity and high similarity of occupational distribution of HFMD.

[Epidemiological characteristics of mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018 and key population for prevention and control]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018, and to provide data for the key population for prevention and control of mumps.

METHODS

The epidemiological characteristics of mumps were analyzed with reference to the data of the cases of mumps reported in the National Scientific Data Sharing Platform for Population and Health and Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of mumps.

RESULTS

A total of 4 272 368 cases of mumps were reported in China during 2004-2018, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 21.44/100 000. A single dose of mumps-containing vaccine was added to the national Expanded Program of Immunization in 2008, but the annual incidence rate ranged from 12.84/100 000 to 35.59/100 000. The second dose of measles, mumps and rubella combined attenuated live vaccine was included in the routine immunization in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, and then the average incidence rate of mumps reported in these three regions dropped to about 10/100 000. From 2004 to 2016, the population aged 3-14 years accounted for 81.16% of all patients with mumps. The children aged 6 years had the highest incidence rate of mumps during 2004-2013.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of mumps-containing vaccine has no obvious effect on the incidence rate of mumps. Children aged 6 years have the highest incidence rate of mumps. A booster dose of mumps-containing vaccine should be given to preschool children.

A systematic analysis of online broadcasts of suicidality in China

INTRODUCTION

This study attempts to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of online broadcasts of suicidality in China.

METHODS

A total of 193 incidents were identified by systematically searching for relevant news reports on the internet. A content analysis on these news reports was conducted to obtain information on the characteristics of each individual incident.

RESULTS

Of these incidents, the ratio of males to females was 1:1.7 (age: 24.6 ± 6.1 years old). Approximately 45.4% and 70.8% of incidents were located in the region of Eastern China and Southern China, respectively, and 15.7% of incidents were unemployed. The most common suicide method was wrist cutting (57.5%), and the most common suicide location was at home (35.2%). Instant messaging apps (52.8%) were most frequently used for broadcasting suicidal thoughts and actions. Relationship breakup (61.1%) was reported as the leading cause of suicide. Furthermore, of the 193 incidents, 19 indicated that they suffered from a mental disorder, and 12 revealed that they had a history of suicide attempts. There were significant gender, age, regional, and occupational differences across the categories.

DISCUSSION

This study indicates that in China, suicide prevention programmes need to target internet users.

Sex differences in bladder cancer pathology and survival: analysis of a population-based cancer registry

Sex differences in bladder cancer pathology and epidemiology have been the focus of recent research. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics and compared bladder cancer pathology and survival between men and women in Japan. A total of 13,184 patients with primary bladder cancer diagnosed from 1954 to 2010 were identified in a large-scale cancer registry database in Kanagawa Prefecture. Using this database, we compared the odds ratios (ORs) for nonurothelial carcinoma (non-UC) using a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for age and diagnosis periods. We also compared hazard ratios (HRs) for overall death and cancer-specific death using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for non-UC, age, and diagnosis period. The proportion of non-UC was significantly higher in female compared with male patients (OR = 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-2.52). Furthermore, survival was significantly poorer in female patients than in male patients after adjusting for UC or non-UC (HR for overall death = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23; HR for cancer-specific death = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.28-1.52). Sex differences exist in the epidemiological characteristics of bladder cancer in Japan, with female patients having less favorable pathology and poorer survival compared with male patients.