Isolation and identification of enteric adenoviruses

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Microbiology

Background:

• Gastroenteritis is a common illness in children, with viral agents being a significant cause.
• Adenoviruses are known to cause a range of human diseases, including gastroenteritis.
• Accurate identification of causative viral agents is crucial for understanding disease etiology and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and identification of specific adenovirus types in fecal samples from children with gastroenteritis.
• To compare the efficacy of direct isolation and neutralization methods with a genus-specific ELISA for adenovirus detection.
• To determine the etiological significance of adenovirus species in pediatric gastroenteritis.

Main Methods:

• Electron microscopy was used to detect adenovirus particles in fecal samples.
• Direct isolation and neutralization assays in Chang's conjunctival cells were performed for virus identification.
• A genus-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) utilizing an antihexon antibody was employed.
• Immunofluorescence was used to assess adenovirus presence in cell cultures.

Main Results:

• Adenovirus 40 and 41 were identified in 34 out of 64 fecal samples using cell culture methods.
• Six other adenovirus species were also isolated, with some samples yielding equivocal or negative results.
• The genus-specific ELISA detected adenovirus antigen in 40 out of 55 samples.
• ELISA failed to detect antigen in 10 samples negative by culture, likely due to low viral load.

Conclusions:

• Adenovirus 40 and 41 are predominant adenovirus species associated with gastroenteritis in children.
• Direct isolation and neutralization in cell culture are effective methods for identifying these specific adenovirus types.
• The ease of cultivation and identification of Ad40 and Ad41 aids in elucidating their role in pediatric gastroenteritis.