Abstract
Background: Gut microbiota serves as a defense against enteric pathogens, whereas dietary intake influences the composition and function of gut microbiota. We aimed to examine the impact of diet on the enteroviral infection in adult patients of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Methods: A total of 266 adult patients of HFMD were recruited in this study, with 80 healthyvolunteers served as the control. Swab samples and clinical characteristics were collected. Enteroviral genotype was further assessed by PCR testing. Social-demographic data and dietary records were obtained through follow-up phone calls. Dietary patterns were derived with PCA analysis. Correlation between dietary patterns and clinical characteristics, enterovirus genotype, and HFMD risk factors were evaluated. Results:Three distinct dietary patterns were identified in the participants, which were modern, "atypical south", and "traditional north", respectively. This study found the dietary pattern of adult HFMD significantly differed from that of the controls. A vast majority of controls followed the modern pattern, which was a healthy diet. In contrast, the result showed unhealthy dietary patterns ('atypical south' and 'traditional north') were risk factors for adult HFMD. Besides, the dining place was a leading contributor to the dietary pattern. Our data showed eating at a food stall, or take-out is a risk factor of adult HFMD, whereas eating at the dining room is a protective factor. Conclusions:Our study indicated dietary pattern was associated with the incidence of adult HMFD. Improving the dietetic habit might contribute to HFMD prevention.