Investigation of Rotavirus and Enteric Adenovirus Antigen Frequency in Patients with Acute Gastroenteritis by Immunochromatographic Method: A Single Center Experience of Seven Years

Çiğdem Arabaci¹, Kenan Ak^¹, Hüseyin Dağ^2,3

¹University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Prof.Dr.Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology Istanbul, Turkey - ²University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Prof.Dr.Cemil Taşcioğlu City Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul, Turkey - ³Istanbul University, Institute of Child Health, Department of Pediatric Basic Sciences, Adolesance Health, Istanbul, Turkey 

Objective: Most cases of acute gastroenteritis in children are caused by viral agents. Rarely, these viruses can also cause infections in adult patients. Rotaviruses and adenoviruses are the leading viral agents of infectious gastroenteritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus and/or adenovirus in patients who were admitted to our hospital. 

Materials and methods: Stool samples from 25530 patients admitted to our hospital with acute gastroenteritis in a seven-year period between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of rotavirus and/or adenovirus antigens in stool samples was investigated by qualitative immunochromatographic test (VIKIA Rota-Adeno). The sensitivity of the test was 96-100% for Rotavirus, 87.4-99.6% for Adenovirus, and its specificity was 98.6-100%. 

Results: Of the stool samples, rotavirus were found to be positive in 3220 (12.6%), adenovirus in 670 (2.6%), and both rotavirus and adenovirus in 36 (0.14%). Rotavirus infection was more common in boys (13.7% vs. 11.7%; p:0.041). Viral antigen-positive cases were seen most frequently in the 7-24 month age group and the spring and winter months. 

Conclusion: Rotavirus is an essential agent of acutegastroenteritis in children under five years of age and should be investigated routinely, especially in spring and winter.