[Use of a rapid method for detecting adenovirus in the feces of children]

Adenovirus (ADV) and rotavirus (RV) were screened by latex aglutination (LA) in 772 fecal samples from hospitalized and non hospitalized children under 7 years of age, those included 55 control samples. Reactive samples were confirmed by electron microscopy (ME) and enzimoimmunoassay (EIA). ADV were found in 20 (2.6%) samples and RV in 25 (3.2%). Coinfection by both viruses was not demonstrated. The greatest percentage of findings was observed in watery (23% ADV and 25% RV) and almost watery stools (8% ADV and 25% RV). We did not find any of those viruses in samples from control children. Concordance between LA and confirmation methods used was excellent. Thus the LA tests could provide a simple tool for the diagnosis of non hospitalized patients, increasing the possibilities of a rapid ethiological diagnostic in infectious diarrhoeas.