Group A rotavirus prevalence and genotypes among adult outpatients with diarrhea in Beijing, China, 2011–2018

Background Group A rotavirus (RVA) is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhea in children worldwide. However, RVA is also an important pathogen causing adult diarrhea, with higher infection rates in older patients. To provide evidence for rotavirus epidemic control and to inform vaccine development, we analyzed the molecular epidemiology of RVA among adult outpatients with diarrhea in Beijing from 2011 to 2018. Materials and methods Stool specimens were collected monthly from 14 districts. RVA was detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Genotyping of rotavirus was performed using multiplex semi-nested RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood methods implemented in MEGA software (version 6.06). Logistic regression and chi-square tests were used to assess differences among age groups, districts, years, and genotype distributions. Results The prevalence of rotavirus was 10.16% (1,310/12,893) among adult outpatients with diarrhea from 2011 to 2018 in Beijing. The highest prevalence (13.74%, 600/4,367) was observed among those aged 41 to 65 years. November, December, and January had the highest positive detection rates. In 2011, G3P[8] and G9P[8] were the dominant genotypes. Starting from 2012, G9P[8] became the dominant genotype. Most G9 strains belonged to the G9-VI clade. Most P[8] strains belonged to the P[8]-III clade. Conclusions RVA is a major cause of adult diarrhea in Beijing. Continuous molecular surveillance is needed, and transmission of rotavirus between children and adults should be investigated further. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.