Prevalence, seasonality, and peak age of infection of enteric adenoviruses in Japan, 1995–2009

Abstract

SUMMARYA total of 7185 faecal specimens collected from infants and children with gastroenteritis in seven different regions of Japan during 1995–2009 were examined for adenovirus by polymerase chain reaction. Adenovirus was detected in 568 (7·9%) patients. The adenovirus activity peak was in winter and spring seasons (December–March) during the study period in the Japanese paediatric population. During the last 15 years, adenovirus 41 was the most predominant strain in Japan.