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Circulation Pattern and Genetic Variation of Rhinovirus Infection among Hospitalized Children on Hainan Island, before and after the Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy, from 2021 to 2023
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  • Meifang Xiao,
  • Afreen Banu,
  • Yibo Jia,
  • Gaoyu Wang,
  • Meng Chang,
  • Jing An,
  • Yi Huang,
  • Xiaoyuan Hu,
  • Chuanning Tang,
  • Zihan Li,
  • Yi Niu,
  • Xiuying Tian,
  • Wanxin Deng,
  • Cheng Tang,
  • Jiang Du,
  • Xiuji Cui,
  • Jasper Chan,
  • Ruoyan Peng,
  • Feifei Yin
Meifang Xiao
Lincoln University College Faculty of Medicine
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Afreen Banu
Lincoln University College Faculty of Medicine
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Yibo Jia
Hainan Medical University
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Gaoyu Wang
Hainan Medical University
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Meng Chang
Hainan Medical University
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Jing An
Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center
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Yi Huang
Hainan Medical University
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Xiaoyuan Hu
Hainan Medical University
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Chuanning Tang
Hainan Medical University
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Zihan Li
Hainan Medical University
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Yi Niu
Hainan Medical University
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Xiuying Tian
Hainan Medical University
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Wanxin Deng
Hainan Medical University
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Cheng Tang
Hainan Medical University
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Jiang Du
Hainan Medical University
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Xiuji Cui
Hainan Medical University
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Jasper Chan
The University of Hong Kong State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases
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Ruoyan Peng
Hainan Medical University
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Feifei Yin
Hainan Medical University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Objective Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Rhinovirus (RV) remained notable persistence, maintaining its presence while other seasonal respiratory viruses were largely suppressed by pandemic restrictions during national lockdowns. This research explores the epidemiological dynamics of RV infections among pediatric populations on Hainan Island, China, specifically focusing on the impact before and after the zero-COVID policy was lifted. Methods From January 2021 to December 2023, 19,680 samples were collected from pediatric patients hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) at the Hainan Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The infection of RV was detected by tNGS. RV species and subtypes were identified in 32 RV-positive samples representing diverse time points by analyzing the VP4/VP2 partial regions. Results Among the 19,680 pediatric inpatients with ARTIs analyzed, 21.55% were found to be positive for RV infection, with notable peaks observed in April 2021 and November 2022. A gradual annual decline in RV infections was observed, alongside a seasonal pattern of higher prevalence during the colder months. The highest proportion of RV infections was observed in the 0-1 year age group. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 23 distinct RV subtypes, with a shift in dominance from RV-A to RV-C in 2022, suggesting evolving RV dynamics. Conclusions The research emphasizes the necessity for ongoing surveillance and targeted management, particularly for populations highly susceptible to severe illnesses caused by RV infections.
05 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
05 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
05 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
18 May 20241st Revision Received
10 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending