Comparative analysis of adenovirus and rotavirus gastroenteritis: insights into inflammatory response and temporal

Pınar Önal1, Abdülkadir Bozaykut1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye.

PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus gastroenteritis in children is associated with a high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and decreased mean platelet volume. These hemogram parameters can help distinguish rotavirus from other causes of acute viral gastroenteritis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Acute viral gastroenteritis is a significant global healthcare burden, necessitating efficient diagnostic methods.
  • Adenovirus and rotavirus are common causes of gastroenteritis in children.
  • Understanding the distinct clinical and laboratory features of these viral infections is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the demographic, clinical, seasonal, hemogram, and C-reactive protein profiles of children with adenovirus and rotavirus gastroenteritis.
  • To identify potential laboratory markers that can differentiate between rotavirus and adenovirus infections.
  • To assess the diagnostic utility of hemogram parameters in pediatric gastroenteritis.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study design was employed, comparing three groups of children: rotavirus positive, adenovirus positive, and rotavirus/adenovirus negative.
  • Data collected included demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters, with a focus on hemogram indices and C-reactive protein levels.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences between the groups.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis showed a statistically significant association with a high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (2.76 ± 1.52) and decreased mean platelet volume (7.47 ± 0.36 fL).
  • Adenovirus gastroenteritis did not present a distinct laboratory marker for differentiation.
  • While temporal peaks were observed (adenovirus in summer, rotavirus in winter), these seasonal differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased mean platelet volume and a high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio are significant indicators associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis in children.
  • These hemogram parameters can aid in distinguishing rotavirus gastroenteritis from other causes of acute gastroenteritis.
  • Further research may be needed to identify specific diagnostic markers for adenovirus gastroenteritis.
Abstract