Molecular characterization of human adenovirus causing infantile acute gastroenteritis in Venezuela before and after

Ruth Blanco1, Ana C Alcalá2, Rixio Fernández1

  • 1Laboratorio de Biología de Virus, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular (CMBC), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela.

Insights

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) caused significant pediatric gastroenteritis in Venezuela. Increased HAdV-F detection in vaccinated children highlights the need for broader viral surveillance beyond rotavirus.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Human adenoviruses (HAdV) species F are frequent causes of pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE).
  • The epidemiological impact of HAdV in Venezuela remained largely uncharacterized.
  • Understanding HAdV prevalence is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and molecular diversity of HAdV in Venezuelan children with AGE.
  • To analyze trends in HAdV detection over time and in relation to vaccination status.
  • To provide insights into the genetic relatedness of circulating HAdV strains.

Main Methods:

  • PCR detection of HAdV in 630 fecal samples from children with AGE across three Venezuelan cities (2001-2013).
  • Restriction Enzyme Analysis (REA) for species and type identification (F40/41).
  • Phylogenetic analysis of 28 HAdV genomes.

Main Results:

  • HAdV was detected in 19.5% of cases, primarily in female outpatients under 24 months.
  • A significant increasing trend in HAdV detection rates was observed over the study period.
  • Detection rates were substantially higher in rotavirus-vaccinated (28.4%) versus unvaccinated (9.5%) children.
  • HAdV-F, predominantly type 41 (79.8%), showed global genetic similarity and formed two major clades.

Conclusions:

  • HAdV, particularly type F41, plays a significant role in pediatric gastroenteritis in Venezuela.
  • The findings underscore the importance of monitoring HAdV alongside rotavirus, especially post-vaccine introduction.
  • Active surveillance for diverse viral pathogens is recommended for effective public health management.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...