Isolation and identification of enteric adenoviruses
Related Experiment Videos
Abstract:
Thirty-four out of 64 faecal samples with adenovirus particles, as seen by electron microscopy, were found to contain adenovirus 40 or 41 by direct isolation and neutralization in Chang's conjunctival cells, mostly within one week. (Ad40 and 41 candidate viruses are serologically related.) 6 other adenovirus species were isolated; 6 samples gave equivocal results, and 18 were negative. A genus-specific ELISA with an antihexon coat yielded positive results in 40 out of 55 samples; the test failed to identify adenovirus antigen in 10 out of 17 specimens, which were found negative by culture. All of them were negative by immunfluorescence of inoculated Chang cell cultures. Hence the failures are probably due to insufficient amount of virus in the samples. The predominance of only two adenovirus species associated with gastroenteritis in children and the ease of cultivating and identifying them should help to elucidate their etiological significance.
Insights
Researchers identified adenovirus 40 and 41 in most fecal samples from children with gastroenteritis. These findings highlight the importance of these specific adenovirus types in pediatric illness.
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.