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Laboratory identification of adenoviruses associated with gastroenteritis in Canada from 1983 to 1986
1Department of Microbiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
A retrospective analysis of adenovirus serotypes associated with gastroenteritis involved the examination of 143 stool specimens collected between 1983 and 1986 from symptomatic patients whose stools were positive for adenovirus by electron microscopy. The virus isolates obtained from 140 of the specimens were typed according to the SmaI cleavage pattern of the viral DNA and by neutralization with specific antisera. The predominant types were adenovirus type 31 (Ad31) (18%), Ad40 (16.9%), and Ad41 (38%), which together accounted for more than 70% of the isolates. The remaining virus isolates were typed as Ad1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12. DNA restriction analysis proved to be better than serum neutralization for identification of the enteric adenovirus serotypes in stool specimens. HindIII cleavage identified four Ad41 variants, none of which had a HindIII restriction pattern identical to that of the prototype strain Tak. Over the time period of the study, the incidence of Ad40 showed an overall decrease accompanied by an increased incidence of Ad41, while the incidence of Ad31 was relatively stable.
Insights
This study identified adenovirus types 31, 40, and 41 as the main causes of gastroenteritis between 1983-1986. DNA analysis was superior to serum neutralization for identifying these enteric adenovirus serotypes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Adenoviruses are a common cause of gastroenteritis in children and adults.
- Accurate typing of adenovirus serotypes is crucial for understanding disease epidemiology and developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze adenovirus serotypes causing gastroenteritis.
- To compare DNA restriction analysis with serum neutralization for serotype identification.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 143 stool specimens from 1983-1986.
- Adenovirus identification using electron microscopy.
- Serotyping via SmaI DNA cleavage patterns and serum neutralization.
- Detailed analysis of adenovirus type 41 (Ad41) variants using HindIII cleavage.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus types 31 (Ad31), 40 (Ad40), and 41 (Ad41) accounted for over 70% of isolates.
- DNA restriction analysis was more effective than serum neutralization for enteric adenovirus identification.
- Four Ad41 variants were identified, distinct from the prototype strain.
- Ad40 incidence decreased, while Ad41 incidence increased during the study period; Ad31 remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Enteric adenoviruses, particularly Ad31, Ad40, and Ad41, were predominant causes of gastroenteritis during the study.
- DNA restriction analysis is a superior method for identifying enteric adenovirus serotypes.
- Shifting patterns in Ad40 and Ad41 prevalence suggest evolving epidemiology.