Restriction enzyme analysis of faecal adenoviruses in Newcastle upon Tyne

Adenovirus DNA was isolated directly from virus-containing stools and digested with restriction endonucleases. The resulting fragments were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and visualized by silver staining. This enabled us to assign most of the viruses detected to subgenus, serotype and, sometimes, unique strains. Although less sensitive than electron microscopy, the method allowed more information about the infecting virus to be obtained and no cultivation was necessary. Comparison with culture also allowed dual infections to be recognized. A 2-year survey of faecal adenoviruses in Newcastle upon Tyne showed that type 41 (strain 41a) was the predominant type and strain 41p was not recorded. Heterogeneity in strain 41a was also noted as found elsewhere. Adenovirus type 40 was common prior to 1985 but was absent during the last 2 years.