Laboratory Diagnosis of Human Adenovirus associated with Respiratory Tract Infection in children

Abstract

Human Adenovirus (HADV) is classified in Adenoviridae family, it is important viral pathogen of respiratory tract infection (RTIs) among children. This study aimed at detecting HADV infections among hospitalized children under 10 years old with respiratory tract infections in Salahaldin Governorate, in addition to compare different diagnostic methods for the detection of this virus. Nasopharyngel Swabs (NPS) and whole blood samples were taken from 400 hospitalized children between end of August 2013, to the end of May 2014, each sample was analyzed for HADV by real time –PCR, IgM and IgG specific to HADV determining from blood specimens in serum using Enzyme Immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Nasopharyngel Swab was more sensitive than the whole blood specimens for the detection of HADV and was identified in 3% by RT-PCR, in 72.2% by IgM – HADV antibodies, 83.1% by IgG-HADV antibodies. Autumn – Spring periods were considered as the most common time for HADV infection with peak in September and February.