BACKGROUND: Enterovirus (EV) is the main cause of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, Hand-Foot-and- Mouth Disease (HFMD) and herpangina. Enterovirus outbreaks in recent years have frequently been associated with some serotypes. This study analyzed the genetic characteristics of enterovirus-associated symptoms in Korea from 2014-2015.
PRESENT: From January 2014 to December 2015, a total of 5,713 clinical specimens were collected from patients who were suspected of having enterovirus infection. The detection of EV was performed by real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Seminested RT-PCR and genotype analysis were performed based on the VP1 gene.
STATUS: Among 4,915 cases from 2014-2015, age was known for 4,849 (98.7%). Infants aged <1 year accounted for 1,888 cases wherein positive patients were 439 (23.3%). Those aged 1-2 years were 718 cases, wherein positive patients were 325 (45.3%). Those aged 2-5 years were 901 cases, wherein positive patients were 481 (56.4%). Those aged 5-10 years were 695 cases, wherein positive patients were 309 (44.5%). Those aged 10-15 years were 202 cases, wherein positive patients were 56 (27.7%). Those aged 15< years were 445, wherein positive patients were 75 (16.9%). The EV detection rate varied throughout each year. The EV cases increased from May to October every year. Among 5,713 total specimens, 1,789(31.3%) were positive (26 different serotypes) tested through the VP1 nested RT-PCR. Of the 1,789 positive cases, the most frequently presented serotypes were Coxsackie Virus B5 (CB5, 18%), Coxsackie Virus A16 (CA16, 12.3%), and Enterovirus 71 (EV71, 10.8%).
CONCLUSION: Presently, there are no anti-viral treatments specific to EV infections. This study may assist in the research and development of such vaccine and treatment against infections caused by virulent EV genotypes by providing surveillance data of enterovirus infections.
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