Detection of human adenovirus by real-time PCR and antigen ELISA technique from respiratory infection patient in Mosul City, Iraq

Aims: One of the most prevalent illnesses in children and the elderly is respiratory tract infection (RTI).Among the viruses that most commonly damage the respiratory system is the human adenovirus (HAdV).Inadequate data on HAdV diagnosis exists in Iraq.The aim of this study was to detect HAdV in patients with RTI using real-time PCR and the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Methodology and results: From the beginning of March 2023 to the end of June 2023, 100 swab samples from the pharynx and nasopharynx of patients with RTI at Mosul hospitals were included in this study.These patients were of both sexes and varied in age.Sandwich ELISA and real-time PCR were used to analyze each sample's viral antigens and DNA.Among 100 swab samples, the results of both tests revealed that 28(28%) samples were positive for HAdV.Females showed the highest rate than males, 17(60.71%)for ELISA and 15(53.57%)for real-time PCR.For both tests, the age group over 39 years showed the highest number of infections (15 out of a total of 28 positive samples) in comparison.The age group under 20 years showed the lowest number of infections (2 out of 28 positive samples). Conclusion, significance and impact of study:The study used sandwich ELISA and Real-time PCR to show the role and importance of HAdV in patients with RTI at different ages.This research is the first of its kind to show that sandwich ELISA and real-time PCR tests can be used to identify HAdV, regardless of RTI patient's age.The HAdV plays a significant role in respiratory tract disease in pediatric and adult patients.The study showed the importance of immunological and molecular comparison in diagnosing the virus and determining its severity in patients.