Investigation of the Frequency of Rotavirus and Enteric Adenovirus Infection in Patients Presenting with Acute Gastroenteritis

Aim: Rotavirus and enteric adenovirus are common viral gastroenteritis agents with severe clinical symptoms. Rotaviruses cause 20-40% of acute gastroenteritis which causes millions of deaths worldwide every year. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis in our hospital and to investigate the distribution of positivity according to age groups, gender and seasons. Tools and Method: 5210 stool samples were analyzed by immunochromatographic method. The data of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Statistical analyses were performed using the MedCalc (version 20.009; Ostend, Belgium) statistical package program. Results: Rotavirus positivity was detected in 261 (5%) of the samples evaluated and positivity was most frequently detected in children aged 25-60 months and in summer months. Positivity was detected in 69 (1.3%) of the samples evaluated for enteric adenoviruses and it was determined that these were most frequently detected in the 0-24 months age group. When the distribution of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus positivity according to seasons was analyzed, a statistically significant relationship was found in the summer season. No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and viral antigen positivity. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is important to investigate rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens in stool samples in order to obtain epidemiological data and to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use.