Changing trends and serotype distribution of Shigella species in Beijing from 1994 to 2010

Abstract

Shigella species are a common cause of acute diarrheal disease in China. In this study, we characterized the changing trends and serotype distribution of Shigella species in Beijing from 1994 to 2010. A total of 5999 Shigella strains were isolated and serotyped from the 302nd Hospital in Beijing. The annual number of Shigella isolates reached a peak (n = 1192; 19.84%) in 1996 and then decreased annually, reaching the lowest point (n = 24; 0.41%) in 2010. S. flexneri 2a and S. sonnei were the most frequently isolated Shigella, with their respective isolates making up 53.3% and 27.6% of the total. Isolates of S. flexneri 4c, 4a, and x made up 3% respectively of the total isolates. Significant decreases in percentage of S. flexneri over time were observed. S. sonnei surpassed S. flexneri 2a as the predominant serotype in 2000. Most isolates were recovered from July to September; 13.6% of the isolates were recovered from children aged 0 to 5 years, and 16% were recovered from those aged 21 to 25 years. S. flexneri 2a and 5 were recovered mostly from males (33.41%, p < 0.001; and 0.46%, p < 0.001%; respectively), whereas S. flexneri 2b and 6, and S. sonnei were most often isolated from females. Continuous monitoring of Shigella showed that all 4 species and 27 serotypes were present in Beijing, China, during the study period. The emergence of S. sonnei and the overall decreasing isolation rate of Shigella in Beijing can potentially aid in the development of vaccine and control strategies for shigellosis in the city.

Prevalence and factors associated with different pathogens of acute diarrhea in adults in Beijing, China

“…detection varied greatly in these years, from 11.2% to 2.0%, and that Shigella sonnei had been the predominant species in Beijing since 2006-2007 [20,21]. However, S. sonnei is predominant in children and adolescents [21] and our study subjects were adults (over 18 years of age), so the number of cases of S. sonnei infection was similar to that of Shigella flexneri, rather than being the predominant strain. The limited number of Shigella spp.…”

The changing epidemiology of bacillary dysentery and characteristics of antimicrobial resistance of Shigella isolated in China from 2004–2014

“…Beijing and Shanghai have undergone rapid economic development in recent years and represent the most developed regions in China. Interestingly, the dominant Shigella species in Beijing before 2006 was S. flexneri [35]. The transition of the predominant Shigella species from S. flexneri to S.sonnei was also observed in other fast-developing countries such as Thailand, Brazil, and Turkey, which suggests that regional socioeconomic development might predict the distribution of Shigella species.…”

Update on:Shigellanew serogroups/serotypes and their antimicrobial resistance

“…Shigella flexneri were known to cause sporadic diarrhoea and occasional outbreaks in specific epidemiological niches, such as day care centres; whereas Shigella sonnei was noted to be predominant in industrialized countries (Mao et al . ).…”

“…According to an earlier multicenter study of Shigella diarrhoea in six Asian countries, Shigella flexneri was the most common species reported in Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Indonesia and Vietnam. Shigella flexneri were known to cause sporadic diarrhoea and occasional outbreaks in specific epidemiological niches, such as day care centres; whereas Shigella sonnei was noted to be predominant in industrialized countries (Mao et al 2013).…”