Molecular Epidemiology of Acute Gastroenteritis Caused by Subgenus F (40, 41) Enteric Adenoviruses in Inpatient Children

Background: Human adenoviruses are 1 of the most common and serious etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide, especially in developing countries. Methods: In this cross-sectional epidemiology survey, the specimens of 100 stools were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis from June 2008 to July 2009. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was performed with specific primers for detection of F adenoviruses. Results: F adenoviruses (Ad40 and Ad41) were detected in 8% of patients with diarrhea. There was a significant statistical relationship between the age, nutrition variables, and adenovirus infection ( P < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between individual variables and the existence of the adenovirus infection. Conclusion: The results of this survey and other studies in different parts of the world show that adenovirus is 1 of the main factors causing acute gastroenteritis in infants and children in developing countries. * PCR : Polymerase chain reaction