Transmission Pattern of Measles Virus Circulating in China During 1993-2021: Genotyping Evidence Supports That China Is Approaching Measles Elimination.

BACKGROUND: To provide useful insights into measles elimination progress in China, measles surveillance data were reviewed, and the transmission patterns of measles viruses circulating in China during 1993-2021 were analyzed. METHODS: Measles incidence data from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention were analyzed. A total of 17 570 strains were obtained from 30 of 31 provinces in mainland China during 1993-2021. The recommended genotyping window was amplified. Genotyping analysis was conducted for comparison with the reference strains. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify genetic relationships among different lineages within the genotypes. RESULTS: With high coverage of routine immunization and intensive supplementary immunization activities, measles incidence has shown a downward trend since 1993, despite 2 resurgences, reaching a historic low level in 2020-2021 (average 0.5 per million). During 1993-2021, 9 genotypes including domestic genotype H1; imported genotypes B3, D4, D8, D9, D11, G3, and H2; and vaccine-associated genotype A were identified. Among them, the genotype H1 strain circulated endemically in China for more than 25 years; the last strain was detected in Yunnan Province in September 2019. Multiple imported genotypes have been identified since 2009 showing different transmission patterns. Since April 2020, no imported strains have been detected, while vaccine-associated genotype A continues to be detected. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of low incidence during 2020-2021 and virological surveillance data in this study confirm that China is currently approaching measles elimination.

Visual detection of Ebola virus using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with nucleic acid strip detection.

Ebola virus (species Zaire ebolavirus) (EBOV) is highly virulent in humans. The largest recorded outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in West Africa to date was caused by EBOV. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a detection method for this virus that can be easily distributed and implemented. In the current study, we developed a visual assay that can detect EBOV-associated nucleic acids. This assay combines reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification and nucleic acid strip detection (RT-LAMP-NAD). Nucleic acid amplification can be achieved in a one-step process at a constant temperature (58 °C, 35 min), and the amplified products can be visualized within 2-5 min using a nucleic acid strip detection device. The assay is capable of detecting 30 copies of artificial EBOV glycoprotein (GP) RNA and RNA encoding EBOV GP from 10(2) TCID50 recombinant viral particles per ml with high specificity. Overall, the RT-LAMP-NAD method is simple and has high sensitivity and specificity; therefore, it is especially suitable for the rapid detection of EBOV in African regions.

[Vein Scanning Projection Instrument Based on Two-Dimensional Scanning Mirror].

With the development of science and technology, new medical equipments is toward the direction of intelligent and portable. In order to assist medical personnel to patients with blood, developing from previous devices, a new kind of vein locating projection instrument based on two-dimensional scanning mirror is put forward. It can scan and project vein image using a scanning mirror. The related algorithm is also be improved, make vein scan projection more practical. The system finally set up can perform well in vein scan projection.

Molecular Epidemiology of Human Norovirus Variants from Outbreaks in Zhejiang Province, China, during 2021.

Background: Noroviruses are the most frequent cause of epidemic acute viral gastroenteritis in China. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks and the molecular genetic features of norovirus in Zhejiang Province during 2021. Methods: First, the local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the outbreak area conducted on-site epidemiologic investigations and collected samples from ill patients for initial testing. The general epidemiologic characteristics of the demographic information are presented through descriptive analysis. Positive samples were sent to the Microbiology Laboratory of Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention for further verification. The presence of norovirus genogroups I (GI) and II (GII), along with sapovirus, was detected. Subsequently, the specimens positive for norovirus were sequenced for genotyping purposes. Furthermore, the whole genomes of positive samples were sequenced, enabling the characterization of both nucleotide and amino acid differences within the virus. Finally, phylogenetic trees were constructed to further analyze and understand the genetic relationships among the detected viruses. Result: 227 norovirus outbreaks were reported in Zhejiang Province, China, during 2021. Schools were the main setting while January was the peak month for outbreaks. A total of 17 diverse genotypes of norovirus were identified in 2021, and GII.P16-GII.2 was the most frequent genotype (30.19%). Seven genomes (five GI.P4-GI.5 and two GII.P16-GII.2) were obtained. Although GI.P4-GI.5 is considered to be a rare genotype of norovirus, the prevalence might have been underestimated. Capsid microvariation of GII.2 displayed histo-blood group antigen binding patterns compared to the GII.2 prototype, although VP1 sequences were considered to have a minimal impact on antigenicity. Conclusion: This study revealed the diversity of norovirus strains' genotypes circulating in Zhejiang Province in 2021. Continued molecular surveillance of noroviruses should be strengthened in our further efforts to the development of vaccines.

Exploration of the in vitro Antiviral Effects and the Active Components of Changyanning Tablets Against Enterovirus 71.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the in vitro antiviral effects of the aqueous solution of Changyanning (CYN) tablets on Enterovirus 71 (EV71), and to analyze its active components. Methods: The in vitro anti-EV71 effects of CYN solution and its herbal ingredients were assessed by testing the relative viral RNA (vRNA) expression level and the cell viability rates. Material basis analysis was performed using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS detection. Potential targets and active components were identified by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The screened components were verified by in vitro antiviral experiments. Results: CYN solution exerted anti-EV71 activities as the vRNA is markedly reduced after treatment, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 996.85 µg/mL. Of its five herbal ingredients, aqueous extract of Mosla chinensis (AEMC) and leaves of Liquidambar formosana Hance (AELLF) significantly inhibited the intracellular replication of EV71, and the IC50 was tested as 202.57 µg/mL and 174.77 µg/mL, respectively. Based on HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS results, as well as the comparison with the material basis of CYN solution, a total of 44 components were identified from AEMC and AELLF. Through network pharmacology, AKT1, ALB, and SRC were identified as core targets. Molecular docking performed between core targets and the components indicated that 21 components may have anti-EV71 effects. Of these, nine were selected for in vitro pharmacodynamic verification, and only rosmarinic acid manifested in vitro anti-EV71 activity, with an IC50 of 11.90 µg/mL. Moreover, rosmarinic acid can stably bind with three core targets by forming hydrogen bonds. Conclusion: CYN solution has inhibitory effects on EV71 replication in vitro, and its active component was identified as rosmarinic acid. Our study provides a new approach for screening and confirmation of the effective components in Chinese herbal preparation.

A Portable, Integrated, Sample-In Result-Out Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Device for Rapid and Sensitive Chikungunya Virus Detection.

Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne virus that causes epidemics, is often misdiagnosed due to symptom similarities with other arboviruses. Here, a portable and integrated nucleic acid-based diagnostic device, which combines reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification and lateral-flow detection, was developed. The device is simple to use, precise, equipment-free, and highly sensitive, enabling rapid chikungunya virus identification. The result can be obtained by the naked eye within 40 min. The assay can effectively distinguish chikungunya virus from dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Zika virus, and yellow fever virus with high specificity and sensitivity as low as 598.46 copies mL-1. It has many benefits for the community screening and monitoring of chikungunya virus in resource-limited areas because of its effectiveness and simplicity. The platform has great potential for the rapid nucleic acid detection of other viruses.

Simultaneous and ultrafast detection of pan-SARS-coronaviruses and influenza A/B viruses by a novel multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay.

Here we report an ultrafast quadruplex RT-qPCR assay with robust diagnostic ability to detect and distinguish pan-SARS-CoVs and influenza A/B viruses within 35 min. This quadruplex RT-qPCR assay comprised of one novel RNA-based internal control targeting human ß2-microglobulin (B2M) for process accuracy and three newly-designed primers-probe sets targeting the envelope protein (E) of pan-SARS-CoV, matrix protein (MP) of influenza A virus and non-structural (NS) region of influenza B virus. This quadruplex assay exhibited a sensitivity comparable to its singleplex counterparts and a slightly higher to that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B assays. The novel assay showed no false-positive amplifications with other common respiratory viruses, and its 95 % limits of detection for pan-SARS-CoV and influenza A/B virus was 4.26-4.52 copies/reaction. Moreover, the assay was reproducible with less than 1 % coefficient of variation and adaptable testing different clinical and environmental samples. Our ultrafast quadruplex RT-qPCR assay can serve as an attractive tool for effective differentiation of influenza A/B virus and SARS-CoV-2, but more importantly prognose the reemergence/emergence of SARS and novel coronaviruses or influenza viruses from animal spillover.

Genome-wide identification of gap junction gene family and their expression profiles under low temperature stress in noble scallop Chlamys nobilis.

Gap junctions, formed by gap junction proteins (GJ), play crucial roles in cell signaling and immune responses. The structure and function of the GJ from vertebrates (called connexins) have been extensively studied. However, little is known about the proteins forming gap junctions in invertebrates (called innexins). In this study, 14 GJ genes of Chlamys nobilis were identified. GJ proteins are mainly distributed on the plasma membrane, and all proteins are hydrophilic Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the GJ proteins in C. nobilis were distantly related to those in vertebrates but closely related to those in invertebrates. Conserved motifs analysis of these GJ proteins in C. nobilis identified to have 10 conserved motifs, similar to gap junction proteins in other bivalves. Moreover, expression profiles of CnGJ genes under chronic and acute low temperature stress were also investigated. Results showed that chronic low temperature stress had a significant effect on the expression levels of CnGJ genes, and the expression profiles of CnGJ genes showed significantly variation under acute low temperature stress. All these results indicated that CnGJ genes play important roles in environmental adaptation in scallops. The present study initially elucidated the function of gap junction genes in noble scallop C. nobilis, which provides new insights into the GJ genes in mollusks and will help us better understand their roles in environmental stress in scallops.

[Variations on hemagglutinin gene of Zhejiang measles virus strains and differences with measles strains circulated both at home and abroad].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variations on hemagglutinin (H) gene of measles virus (MV) in Zhejiang province, and to analyze the differences with strains circulated both at home and abroad. METHODS: In total, 33 MV strains isolated in Zhejiang province between 1999 and 2011 were collected.RNA of the isolated MV strains was extracted and the complete sequences on H gene were amplified using RT-PCR assay. The products were compared with the Chinese vaccine strain Shanghai-191, which was downloaded from GenBank, and other 95 different MV strains from all over the world. RESULTS: 33 MV strains, isolated from the throat swab specimens collected from MV patients in Zhejiang province during 1999 to 2001, were used to conduct phylogenetic analysis with MV strains circulated in other areas of China during 1993 to 2007. The phylogenetic tree based on H gene sequences showed that all the Zhejiang MV strains located in H1a cluster, and no apparent time series and geographic restrictions were observed. Compared to the referenced vaccine strain Shanghai-191, the average variation rate on nucleotides and amino acids, and the evolutionary rate of H1a viruses from China during 2003 to 2011 were separately 5.15%, 4.44% and 5.81%, which were higher than the rates of H1a viruses during 1965 to 1993 (4.75%, 3.86% and 5.30%), and the rates of viruses during 1994 to 2002 (4.80%, 4.08% and 5.37%).However, the dn/ds ratios of strains within the three time periods were 0.19,0.21 and 0.23 respectively, which indicated that no evidence of positive selection was found on H1a MV strains during 1993 to 2011. A 24 stable amino acid variation sites on H gene was found between H1a viruses during 2003 to 2011 and the vaccine strain Shanghai-191. The largest variation occurred between vaccine and H1a strains, with 0.053 of the p-distance and 26-28 of amino acid mutations.However, only 15 stable amino acid variations were found between vaccine strain and genotype B3 or D4 strains.In addition, significant differences were found between H1a viruses and genotype B or D viruses, with 0.074 and 0.071 of p-distance and 27-33 of amino acid differences. CONCLUSION: Significant differences were found on H gene between MV strains subtype H1a and vaccine strains and other genotype strains. The variations were enlarged with the time coursing; therefore, the surveillance on variation of Chinese MV strains should be taken into account.

Disinfection of influenza a viruses by Hypocrellin a-mediated photodynamic inactivation.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A viruses can be transmitted indirectly by surviving on the surface of an object. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising approach for disinfection of pathogens. METHODS: PDI was generated using Hypocrellin A (HA) and red light emitting diode (625-635 nm, 280 W/m2). Effects of the HA-mediated PDI on influenza viruses H1N1 and H3N2 were evaluated by the reduction of viral titers compared to virus control. After selection of the HA concentrations and illumination times, the applicability of PDI was assessed on surgical masks. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using a 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence probe. RESULTS: In solution, 10 µM HA inactivated up to 5.11 ± 0.19 log10 TCID50 of H1N1 and 4.89 ± 0.38 log10 TCID50 of H3N2 by illumination for 5 and 30 min, respectively. When surgical masks were contaminated by virus before HA addition, PDI inactivated 99.99% (4.33 ± 0.34 log reduction) of H1N1 and 99.40% (2.22 ± 0.39 log reduction) of H3N2 under the selected condition. When the masks were pretreated with HA before virus addition, PDI decontaminated 99.92% (3.11 ± 0.19 log reduction) of H1N1 and 98.71% (1.89 ± 0.20 log reduction) of H3N2 virus. The fluorescence intensity of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein in photoactivated HA was significantly higher than the cell control (P > 0.05), indicating that HA efficiently generated ROS. CONCLUSIONS: HA-mediated PDI is effective for the disinfection of influenza viruses H1N1 and H3N2. The approach could be an alternative to decontaminating influenza A viruses on the surfaces of objects.

Development of a universal real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of pan-SARS-coronaviruses with an RNA-based internal control.

The current pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exemplifies the critical need for rapid diagnostic assays to prompt intensified virological monitoring both in human and wild animal populations. To date, there are no clinical validated assays for pan-SARS-coronavirus (pan-SARS-CoV) detection. Here, we suggest an innovative primer design strategy for the diagnosis of pan-SARS-CoVs targeting the envelope (E) gene using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Furthermore, we developed a new primer-probe set targeting human ß2-microglobulin (B2M) as an RNA-based internal control for process efficacy. The universal RT-qPCR assay demonstrated no false-positive amplifications with other human coronaviruses or 20 common respiratory viruses, and its limit of detection (LOD) was 159.16 copies/ml at 95% detection probability. In clinical validation, the assay delivered 100% sensitive results in the detection of SARS-CoV-2-positive oropharyngeal samples (n = 120), including three variants of concern (Wuhan, Delta, and Omicron). Taken together, this universal RT-qPCR assay provides a highly sensitive, robust, and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and animal-derived SARS-related CoVs.

[Comparative analysis on the complete genome sequence of mumps epidemic strain and mumps vaccine strain S79 isolated in Zhejiang province, China between year 2005 and 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in the complete genome sequence between mumps epidemic strain and mumps vaccine strain S79 isolated in Zhejiang province. METHODS: A total of 4 mumps epidemic strains, which were separated from Zhejiang province during 2005 to 2010, named as ZJ05-1, ZJ06-3, ZJ08-1 and ZJ10-1 were selected in the study. The complete genome sequences were amplified using RT-PCR. The genetic differences between vaccine strain S79 and other genotype strains were compared; while the genetic-distance was calculated and the evolution was analyzed. RESULTS: The biggest difference between the 4 epidemic strains and the vaccine strain S79 was found on the membrane associated protein gene; whose average nucleotide differential number was 42.5 +/- 3.0 and the average variant ratio was 13.6%; while the mean amino acid differential number was 12.8 +/- 1.5 and the average variant ratio was 22.4%. The smallest difference among the 4 epidemic strains and the vaccine strain was found in stromatin genes, whose average nucleotide differential number was 73.8 +/- 2.5 and the average variant ratio was 5.9%; while the mean amino acid differential number was 3.0 +/- 0.8 and the average variant ratio was 0.8%. The dn/ds value of the stromatin genes of the 4 epidemic strains reached the highest, as 0.6526; but without any positive pressure (dn/ds < 1, chi2 = 0.87, P > 0.05). There were mutations happened on the known antigen epitope, as 8th amino acid of membrane associated protein genes and on the 336th and 356th amino acid of hemagglutinin/neuraminidase proteins. Compared with the vaccine strain, the glycosylation sites of ZJ05-1, ZJ06-3, ZJ08-1 and ZJ10-1 increased 1, 1, 2 and 2 respectively. The complete amino acid sequence of all strains showed that there were 17 characteristic sites found on the genotype-F mumps strain. Within the complete genome, the genetic-distance between epidemic strains and vaccine strains in Zhejiang province (0.071) was significantly larger than the genetic-distance between strains in Yunnan province (0.013); the difference showing statistical significance (t = 4.14, P < 0.05). Except nucleocapsid protein genes, all the genes shared similar evolution tree. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences found in the genes between mumps epidemic strain and mumps vaccine in Zhejiang province.

[Study on the mutations within the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains circulated in Zhejiang province from 1998 to 2009].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the consistency of evolution condition between HA gene and the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains isolated in Zhejiang province from 1998 to 2009, and to study the potential antigenic region on the whole genome. METHODS: The sequences of whole genome of 19 Zhejiang influenza virus isolates circulated from 1998 to 2009, which conserved by influenza laboratory of Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, were amplified using RT-PCR assays. The obtained sequences were used to conduct phylogenetic analysis with 10 contemporaneous vaccine strains. Three methods, including comparison of the amino acid substitutions, calculation of the entropy value and the filtering of positive selection sites, were used to confirm the mutable sites on each gene. RESULTS: The whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 was 4466 amino acids in length, with 137 stable mutations. The 144, 158 aa of HA gene mutate four and three times respectively; 93, 143, 307, 370, 372 aa of NA gene and 450 aa of NP gene mutate twice, and there were 29% (12/41) and 77% (24/31) mutations of HA and NA genes occurred on the non-epitope regions respectively. Analysis of the entropy value suggest that many amino acid sites on the non-epitope regions were prone to mutation, including 3, 225, 361 aa of HA gene; 93, 143, 147, 150, 372 aa of NA gene; 113, 576, 586 aa of PB1 gene; 101,256, 382, 421, 437 aa of PA; 377, 450 aa of NP gene; 218 aa of M1 gene and 31 aa of M2 gene. CONCLUSION: Based on the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains isolated in Zhejiang province in 1998 to 2009, there may be several unknown or new antigen sites existing on the non-epitope regions of HA and NA genes and parts of internal genes. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the complete sequence was more comprehensive than on the HA gene to reflect the genetic relationship and law of evolution among the influenza virus strains.

A single-domain antibody inhibits SFTSV and mitigates virus-induced pathogenesis in vivo.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a novel tick-borne bunyavirus that recently emerged in East Asian countries. SFTS is characterized by high fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, multiorgan failure, and hemorrhage with case fatality rates of 6.3% to 30%. Neither antivirals nor vaccines are available at present. We previously demonstrated that neutralizing antibodies specific for SFTSV glycoprotein (Gn) played a vital role in the survival of patients with SFTS. Nanobodies from camels present unique properties, such as thermostability, high affinity, and low immunogenicity. In the current study, mammalian expressed SFTSV Gn was used to immunize a camel, and functional nanobodies were isolated from the B cell nanobody library constructed from the immunized animal. Clone SNB02 was selected for in-depth analysis for its inhibition of SFTSV replication both in vitro and in vivo. We showed that SNB02 potently inhibited SFTSV infection and prevented thrombocytopenia in a humanized mouse model and is a potential candidate for therapeutics.

High resolution metagenomic characterization of complex infectomes in paediatric acute respiratory infection.

The diversity of pathogens associated with acute respiratory infection (ARI) makes diagnosis challenging. Traditional pathogen screening tests have a limited detection range and provide little additional information. We used total RNA sequencing ("meta-transcriptomics") to reveal the full spectrum of microbes associated with paediatric ARI. Throat swabs were collected from 48 paediatric ARI patients and 7 healthy controls. Samples were subjected to meta-transcriptomics to determine the presence and abundance of viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic pathogens, and to reveal mixed infections, pathogen genotypes/subtypes, evolutionary origins, epidemiological history, and antimicrobial resistance. We identified 11 RNA viruses, 4 DNA viruses, 4 species of bacteria, and 1 fungus. While most are known to cause ARIs, others, such as echovirus 6, are rarely associated with respiratory disease. Co-infection of viruses and bacteria and of multiple viruses were commonplace (9/48), with one patient harboring 5 different pathogens, and genome sequence data revealed large intra-species diversity. Expressed resistance against eight classes of antibiotic was detected, with those for MLS, Bla, Tet, Phe at relatively high abundance. In summary, we used a simple total RNA sequencing approach to reveal the complex polymicrobial infectome in ARI. This provided comprehensive and clinically informative information relevant to understanding respiratory disease.

[Comparative analysis of measles genome between vaccine strain and wild-type strain in Zhejiang province of China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the distinction between wild-type strain MVi/Zhejiang, CHN/7.05/4 and vaccine strain Shanghai-191 at genome level. METHODS: After sequencing of measles wild-stain MVi/Zhejiang. CHN/7.05/4, the distinction between the wild-type strain and the vaccine strain was analysed by MEGA 3.1 software at genome level, and the antigen variation was studied by means of combining the epidemiological data. RESULTS: There were 822 nucleotide differences (5.17%) and 161 amino acid differences between these two strains, including three glycosylation sites variation found. Meanwhile, the antigen ratio between wild-type strain and vaccine strain was found to be 5.66. CONCLUSION: There should be certain differences between the contemporary wild-type strain MVi/Zhejiang, CHN/7.05/4 and vaccine strain Shanghai-191 at genome level, and the protective effects of measles vaccine should be studied further.

Establishment and characterization of an oral gerbil model for a non-mouse-adapted enterovirus 71 strain.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major pathogens causing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with neurological and systemic complications worldwide, and it is mostly discovered in infants and young children. It is of great significance to establish suitable animal models of EV71 infection on research of distribution and pathogenesis of the virus. In this study, we established a successful infection of a non-mouse-adapted isolate of EV71 via oral route in 7-day-old Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), all of which were paralyzed and died within 10 days post infection. Analysis of virus loads in twelve tissues showed that virus was first detected in intestine, blood, heart, lung, and muscle one day post-infection, and then in the rest of the tissues/organs within the next few days, among which thymus, spleen, spinal cord and muscles had the highest virus titer at 5 days post infection. Pathological examination showed that severe necrosis was observed in skeletal muscle and spinal cord, and edema was observed in both heart and lung. Comparisons of host gene expression of various tissues from infected and non-infected gerbils revealed a general up-regulation of genes related to anti-viral response and a viral receptor gene (sialic acid-linked glycans), as well as a tissue(gut)-specific up-regulation of genes related to neuronal communication. Collectively, our results showed that EV71 could induce severe neurological complications as well as massive tissue damage all over the body, which indicates that oral infection of 7-day gerbils can be a suitable animal model to study the infection of EV71 in human.

Pathogenic and molecular characterization of the H5N1 avian influenza virus isolated from the first human case in Zhejiang province, China.

Since the reemergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1, it caused disease in 20 people with 13 deaths in mainland of China. On February 21, 2006, the first suspected human case in Zhejiang province was reported. Pathogenic analyses, including reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, and virus isolation, were carried out to confirm the pathogen from tracheal aspirate specimen. In addition, antibody in serum sample was detected using hemagglutination-inhibition (HI). Results revealed that nucleic acid extracted from the tracheal aspirate specimen was positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus and influenza virus type A. The H5N1 virus strain named A/Zhejiang/16/06 (H5N1) was isolated. The titers of HI antibody for H5N1 avian influenza virus were 1:320 and 1:640, respectively. The sequenced genes were all avian origin. Phylogenetic analyses between the A/Zhejiang/16/06 and other H5N1 influenza viruses were also included.

Laboratory diagnosis of vaccine-associated measles in Zhejiang Province, China.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Along with the improving vaccine coverage, suspected vaccine-associated measles has been reported in Zhejiang Province, China. In order to maintain the accuracy of the measles surveillance system, it is critical to discriminate between measles vaccine and wild-type virus. METHODS: Eight suspected cases of vaccine-associated measles were reported in Zhejiang Province during 2011 and 2014. Sera collected within 4 days and throat swabs collected within 6 days after rash onset were tested with immunoglobulin M and measles virus (MeV) RNA to confirm MeV infection. In order to further identify the vaccine-associated cases, throat swabs with positive MeV RNA were tested using an allelic discrimination real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay developed in this study, RT-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) recommended by the National Measles Laboratory, and RT-PCR followed by sequencing and genotyping. RESULTS: Combining anti-measles immunoglobulin M and RNA testing, eight cases were confirmed as MeV infection. Of the eight, two were identified as vaccine-associated cases by the allelic discrimination rRT-PCR assay, and one was identified by RT-PCR-RFLP. Subsequent sequencing and genotyping confirmed that the sequences of the two cases were identical to that of the Chinese vaccine strain. The developed allelic discrimination rRT-PCR was 10 times more sensitive than the RT-PCR-RFLP assay when RNA standards generated from three genotypes of MeV were tested. CONCLUSION: Vaccine-associated measles has been identified in Zhejiang. The developed allelic discrimination rRT-PCR assay is rapid and sensitive, which will facilitate the surveillance for vaccine-associated measles.

Molecular Epidemiology and Prevalence of Echovirus 30 in Zhejiang Province, China, from 2002 to 2015.

Echovirus serotype 30 (ECHO30) has been responsible for several recent worldwide outbreaks of viral meningitis. In Zhejiang Province, China, ECHO30 has been one of the main causes of viral meningitis for years. This study, using phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene, was performed to investigate the general molecular epidemiology and genetic patterns of ECHO30 circulating in Zhejiang Province between the years 2002 and 2015. The nucleotide sequences of ECHO30 VP1 showed that they were 64.8% identical with the prototype strain, Bastianni, while the amino acids were 84.9% identical. Phylogenetic analyses showed that ECHO30 in the Zhejiang area has diverged into two genotypes. Genotype I consists of strains isolated since 2002, whereas genotype II includes strains that were mainly isolated during the 2002 to 2004 outbreak. ECHO30 has been endemically circulating in both humans and the environment for a long period of time. Additionally, we evaluated the significance of recombination presented during the years 2005 to 2007 to demonstrate that recombination plays an important role in the prevalence of ECHO30 in the Zhejiang area.