Abstract

Objectives: Aim to find the epidemiological and aetiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Yixing.

Methods: All HFMD cases reported in China information for disease control and prevention system in 2011–2017 were analysed. Rectal and throat swab samples were randomly selected and detected by RT-PCR to recognize the pathogenic agent: CoxasckievirusA16 (CA16), Enterovirus 71 (EV71) or other human enterovirus. SPSS 22.0 software packages were used to analyse the epidemiological and aetiological characteristics of the cases and samples.

Results: Seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty-six HFMD cases were reported in Yixing including 10,513 males and 7223 females, 2011–2017. Maximum incidence was 197.25/100,000 reported in 2014. 78.22% (13,873 cases) were between 1- and 4-year old. The peak of HFMD cases were always reported in June. The incidence of HFMD was 227.13/100,000 averagely in males, higher statistically than 165.53/100,000 in females (p < .01). Five hundred and seventy-four cases were positive in RT-PCT detection provided the evidences of the circulating of CA16, EV71 and other human enterovirus in HFMD cases and predominant viruses related HFMD were different each year. The positive rate of EV71 was 38.27% in males, lower than 46.80% in females (p < .05).

Conclusions: Significant higher incidence of HFMD was observed in males and significant higher positive rate of EV71 was observed in females. Obvious seasonal pattern, difference in year and age group were observed. Results suggest that females are more exposed to EV71 than females in China. The data argue for deeper investigations for the potential risk factors that threat the susceptible population.