Investigation of the Enteric Adenovirus Antigen Frequency by Immunochromotographic Method in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis

Objective: Gastroenteritis is the third common cause of death due to infections. After rotavirus, adenoviruses are also one of the reasons frequently seen in gastroenteritis in infants and children. This study is performed to determine the incidence of enteric virus serotype 40 and 41 in children with acute gastroenteritis in order to enable prompt and appropriate treatment. Materials and Methods: Stool specimens of patients who attended our clinic with a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis between January 2013 and December 2013 were examined for the presence of enteric adenovirus (Ad40 and Ad41) antigen using immunochromatographic methods. Results: One hundred and two stool samples from 3206 were positive for adenovirus antigens. Adenovirus antigen positive-patients aged 0-5 years constituted 82.3% of patients. Adenovirus infections were observed in all seasons of the year. Conclusion: In our country, the epidemiology of adenovirus infection is not known very well. According to the data we obtained from the results of this study, we assume that idntifying viral agent in patients with diarrhea in an accurate, prompt and reliable way can prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and can contribute seroepidemiologic data in childhood gastroenteritis in our region.