Features of the Current Epidemic Process of Infectious Mononucleosis in the Nizhny Novgorod Region

Abstract

Introduction: Today, we are witnessing the process of forming a fundamentally new epidemiological situation on infectious mononucleosis. Over the past decade, a general increase in the incidence of infectious mononucleosis, its proportion in the structure of respiratory tract infections, and economic importance was noted in Russia. Information about the epidemic process of infectious mononucleosis in different areas is limited. Our objective was to study the features of the epidemic process of infectious mononucleosis in the Nizhny Novgorod Region in 2010–2019. Methods: We conducted a retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of infectious mononucleosis in the Nizhny Novgorod Region for 2010–2019 based on official statistics using standard statistical approaches. Results and discussion: The long-term incidence rate of infectious mononucleosis in the Nizhny Novgorod Region was stable (+0.6 %) with the long-term average rate of 12.6 ± 0.6 ‰оо. An autumn-winter-spring seasonality with two distinct peaks (in November–December and May) was revealed. The majority of cases were children aged 0–14 years (72.8 ± 2.2 %). The highest incidence rates were regis�tered in the age groups of 1–2 and 3-6 years. We established a reverse trend in the disease incidence among children aged 0–6 (decrease) and 7 years and older (increase). Adolescents aged 15–17 demonstrated the most pronounced growth rate (+7.5 %). The typical annual dynamics in adults was distinguished by a clear spring-summer seasonality, the absence of a characteristic growth in the autumn months, and a low rate in December. The identified features of the epidemic process in different age groups require clarification and detailing. Conclusions: We established recent patterns and features of the epidemic process of infectious mononucleosis in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. This work is an important component of epidemiological surveillance of infection and a scientific basis for improving the existing system of preventive and anti-epidemic measures.