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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
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.
Abstract:
Human adenoviruses (HAdV) of species F are commonly involved in pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE). The real impact on Venezuelan health is unknown. To investigate the prevalence and molecular diversity of HAdV in Venezuela, 630 fecal samples collected from children with AGE in 3 cities, from 2001 to 2013, were tested by PCR. Species F and types F40/41 were identified by REA. HAdV was detected in 123 cases (19.5%), most from outpatient females under 24 months old. A progressive and substantial increase in the detection rate was observed over time, significantly higher in rotavirus vaccinated than unvaccinated children (28.4% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.00019). Phylogenetic analysis of 28 randomly selected genomes showed high similarity among HAdV-F40/41 and those worldwide. HAdV-F of type 41 prevailed (79.8%) and clustered into 2 intratypic major clades. The significant involvement of HAdV-F41 in AGE suggests the importance of actively monitoring viral agents other than rotavirus, especially after vaccine introduction.
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