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Antibody response to enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 in sera from people in various age groups
T Shinozaki1, K Araki, H Ushijima
1Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Antibodies to enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 are common in children, with incidence rising through early childhood. Most individuals, regardless of age, possess antibodies to the adenovirus common antigen.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Enteric adenoviruses, specifically types 40 and 41, are significant causes of gastroenteritis in children.
- Understanding the seroprevalence of these viruses across different age groups is crucial for public health.
- Adenovirus infections can range from mild to severe, necessitating epidemiological surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of antibodies against enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 in diverse age groups.
- To assess the presence of antibodies to the adenovirus common antigen across the same populations.
- To investigate the role of adenovirus in acute gastroenteritis by examining antibody responses.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 322 individuals across various age groups (children, young adults, pregnant women, elderly) were analyzed.
- Neutralization tests were employed to detect antibodies specific to adenovirus types 40 and 41.
- Enzyme immunoassays were used to quantify antibodies against the adenovirus common antigen and to assess antibody rises in gastroenteritis patients.
Main Results:
- Antibody prevalence for enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 increased with age, starting from 20% in infants (1-6 months) to 50% in toddlers (37-48 months).
- Young adults (18-20 years) showed 48% antibody prevalence, while the elderly (over 70 years) had 10% prevalence.
- All tested serum samples were positive for antibodies to the adenovirus common antigen, indicating widespread prior exposure.
- A significant antibody rise to adenovirus types 40/41 was observed in 19% of acute gastroenteritis patients, with 42% showing a rise to rotavirus.
Conclusions:
- Antibody acquisition to enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 is a common process during childhood.
- Widespread exposure to adenovirus is evident across all studied age groups, as indicated by the universal presence of antibodies to the common antigen.
- Enteric adenoviruses are implicated in a subset of acute gastroenteritis cases, alongside rotavirus.
Abstract:
A total of 322 single and paired serum samples from children (newborn to 10 years old), young adults (18 to 20 years old), pregnant women and their cord serum samples, and elderly people (more than 70 years old) was tested for antibodies to enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 by neutralization test. Serum samples were also tested for antibody to the common antigen of adenovirus by enzyme immunoassay. The incidence of antibodies rose gradually through childhood. Antibodies were found in 20% of children between 1 and 6 months old and in 50% of those 37 to 48 months old. Of serum samples from young adults, 48% had antibodies. Antibodies were found in 10% of serum samples from the aged. Of patients with acute gastroenteritis, 19% showed a significant rise in antibody to adenovirus type 40 or 41 or both, and 42% of the same serum samples had a significant rise in antibody to rotavirus by enzyme immunoassay. None of the serum samples tested was negative to adenovirus common antigen.