Importance of enteric adenoviruses 40 and 41 in acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children

Abstract

In a prospective 1-year study of acute infantile gastroenteritis, adenoviruses were detected in the stools or by seroconversions, or both, in 56 of 416 (13.5%) ill children. By use of DNA restriction enzyme analysis, enzyme immunoassay, and culture techniques, 33 of 56 (59%) adenovirus specimens were identified as enteric adenoviruses 40 and 41 (Ad4O and Ad4M). They were found as the sole recognizable cause of diarrhea in 30 of 416 (7.2%) ill children and in 0 of 200 controls. Three additional ill children had enteric adenoviruses as a part * Corresponding author.

Astroviruses, Enteric Adenoviruses, and Other Gastroenteritis Viruses

“…In the few studies that have examined the role of EAs in an adult population, they appear to be less important causes of gastroenteritis than in children. No seasonality of EA infections was apparent in studies in temperate 31,[71][72][73] or tropical countries, 68,74 but few studies have reviewed multiple seasons.…”

“…71,72,[75][76][77][78][79] Children often have 6 to 10 stools per day, and the mean duration of illness is 5 to 9 days. 68,71,72,[75][76][77][78] Abdominal pain 71,76 and 2 to 3 days of low-grade fever (<38.5 o C) are also frequently present, whereas temperatures greater than or equal to 39 o C occur in less than 10% to 25% of children. 71,75 Mild isotonic dehydration may occur in 15% to 50% of children, 71,72,76 and only severe cases require hospitalization.…”

“…68,71,72,[75][76][77][78] Abdominal pain 71,76 and 2 to 3 days of low-grade fever (<38.5 o C) are also frequently present, whereas temperatures greater than or equal to 39 o C occur in less than 10% to 25% of children. 71,75 Mild isotonic dehydration may occur in 15% to 50% of children, 71,72,76 and only severe cases require hospitalization. Respiratory symptoms, including pneumonia, have been associated with EA infections but are present less commonly than with other adenoviruses.…”

“…72,75,77 Asymptomatic infections have been documented in 8% and 17% of children in day-care center studies. 23,68,71,72 Serum electrolytes are usually normal, and a slight leukocytosis may be present in a minority of children. 71 Gastroenteritis associated with EAs has a similar presentation among patients in developed and developing countries.…”

Inhibition of human adenoviruses by 1-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methoxybenzylidene)amino-3-hydroxyguanidine tosylate

“…years. In recent years, it has been reported that severe and occasionally fatal adenoviral infections may occur in infants and young children (Uhnoo et al, 1984;Chiba et al, 1983;Yolken et al, 1982), and in immunocompromised patients (Shields et al, 1985;Stalder et al, 1977;Zahradnik et al, 1980). Ocular adenovirus infections occur worldwide and frequently result in epidemics in the community and medical facilities.…”