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Recent respiratory and enteric adenovirus infection in children in the Manchester area
S J Richmond1, D J Wood, A S Bailey
1North Manchester Regional Virus Laboratory, Booth Hall Children's Hospital.
Abstract:
Seventy-three group B adenoviruses (29 type 3 and 44 type 7) identified in a recent community outbreak were analysed with restriction endonucleases. Considerable genetic heterogeneity was identified, particularly amongst the type 3 isolates, but this genome variation could not be correlated with either clinical or epidemiological findings. Group F adenoviruses were found in 132 (4.1%) of 3202 stool specimens from children with gastroenteritis and, after rotaviruses, they were the most common viruses identified. Unlike rotaviruses, these enteric adenoviruses were endemic throughout the 3-year study period and the greatest proportion of infections (47.6%) were found in babies under 6 months old.
Insights
Genetic analysis of adenoviruses revealed significant diversity, particularly in type 3, but this did not correlate with clinical or epidemiological data. Enteric adenoviruses were common in children with gastroenteritis, especially infants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Adenoviruses are significant human pathogens.
- Group B adenoviruses (types 3 and 7) were investigated during a community outbreak.
- Group F adenoviruses are a common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic heterogeneity of group B adenoviruses (types 3 and 7) from a community outbreak.
- To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of group F adenoviruses in children with gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- Restriction endonuclease analysis was used to assess genetic variation in group B adenoviruses.
- Stool specimens from children with gastroenteritis were screened for adenovirus detection over a 3-year period.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic heterogeneity was observed among type 3 adenoviruses, but not correlated with clinical or epidemiological findings.
- Group F adenoviruses were identified in 4.1% of pediatric gastroenteritis cases, making them the second most common viral agent after rotaviruses.
- Group F adenoviruses demonstrated endemicity, with the highest infection rate (47.6%) in infants under 6 months old.
Conclusions:
- Genetic diversity in adenoviruses does not necessarily correlate with clinical presentation or epidemiological patterns.
- Enteric adenoviruses (Group F) are a persistent cause of gastroenteritis in young children, particularly infants, highlighting their epidemiological importance.