ObjectiveTo investigate the etiology and epidemiological characteristics of diarrhea in Minhang District of Shanghai from 2014 to 2016, so as to provide scientific basis to monitor diarrhea disease and to control cluster epidemics.

MethodsThe diarrhea cases in monitoring hospitals from 2014 to 2016 were analyzed by epidemiological methods.Stool specimens were collected using systematic sampling for etiological examination.All specimens were tested for cholera, Shigella, salmonella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, rotavirus, norovirus and enteric adenovirus.

ResultsTotally 11 742 cases of diarrhea were reported in Minhang District of Shanghai from 2014 to 2016.The majority of the patients were young and middle aged adults.885 stool samples were detected for pathogen, 454 cases (51.30%) were pathogen positive including 57 cases of bacterial and virus co-infection.The detection rates of bacteria and viruses were respectively 10.36%(92/454)and 34.46%(305/454).Three kinds of bacteria and five kinds of viruses were detected, that were mainly Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n=72), salmonella (n=19), norovirus (n=195) and rotavirus A (n=71).The positive rate of pathogens reached the peak from January to March.There was a significant difference in pathogen positive rate between different seasons, while no difference between different years, gender and age groups.The epidemic peaks of different pathogens were different, with bacteria in summer and virus in winter and spring.

ConclusionThe positive rate of pathogens that caused diarrhea in Minhang District shows a significant seasonal peak.Norovirus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and rotavirus A are the three main pathogens.It is necessary to take effective measures for diarrhea disease control according to the epidemiological characteristics.