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Astrovirus and adenovirus associated with diarrhea in children in day care settings

J F Lew1, C L Moe, S S Monroe

  • 1Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Astrovirus is a significant cause of diarrhea in U.S. daycare children. While adenoviruses were also present, astrovirus showed a clear association with illness, suggesting viruses are key pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diarrhea is a common illness in children attending daycare.
  • The specific viral etiologies, particularly astrovirus and adenovirus, require further investigation in this setting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the relative importance of astrovirus and adenoviruses as causes of diarrhea in U.S. daycare settings.
  • To compare the prevalence of these viral infections in children with and without diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study analyzing stool specimens from children in daycare.
  • Utilized new indirect double-antibody assays for astrovirus and adenovirus hexon detection.
  • Employed EIA for specific detection of enteric adenoviruses (serotypes 40 and 41).

Main Results:

  • Astrovirus was significantly more prevalent in children with diarrhea (4%) compared to those without (<1%).
  • Adenovirus detection showed no significant difference between children with (8%) and without (8%) diarrhea.
  • Enteric adenoviruses were detected in 2% of children, with no difference based on diarrhea status.

Conclusions:

  • Astrovirus is significantly associated with diarrhea in U.S. daycare attendees.
  • Viral agents, including astrovirus and enteric adenoviruses, are common enteric pathogens in this population.
  • This study highlights the role of astrovirus in pediatric diarrhea within daycare environments.

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