Epidemiological and clinical features of norovirus infection among diarrhea patients from the enteric clinics in Beijing, 2013-2014 / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of norovirus infection on diarrhea patients from the enteric clinics in Beijing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From April 2013 to March 2014, 1 892 fecal specimens and related epidemiological information were collected among diarrhea patients visiting the enteric clinics in Beijing. Norovirus was detected by real time RT-PCR, and data was analyzed under the descriptive epidemiological method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 269 positive cases were found among 1 892 diarrhea patients, with a positive rate as 14.2%. Norovirus caused diarrhea mainly occurred in seasons with lower temperature. Higher positive rates of norovirus were found in northwest mountainous area. Norovirus diarrhea was more commonly seen in children between 6 month and 5 years old, with differences between the two groups statistically significant (P = 0.006). Compared with other occupation, a higher infection rate was identified in children, with differences between the two groups statistically significant (P = 0.025). Nausea and vomiting appeared more common in diarrhea patients with norovirus infection, with differences between the two groups statistically significant (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Norovirus was an important pathogen which causing diarrhea in patients visiting the enteric clinics in Beijing. The virus was seen more in patients aged between 6 months and 5 years old. Nausea and vomiting were the common symptoms seen in patients with norovirus diarrhea.</p>