Clinico-Pathological Study of Adenovirus Associated with Respiratory Infections in Children

Abstract

Background: Adenovirus is associated with respiratory tract infections in children worldwide. However, there is insufficient data about adenovirus infections in Egyptian children and the genotypes present in this infection. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of adenovirus and its genotypes in respiratory tract infection in children by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study that included 100 children complaining of respiratory tract infections signs and symptoms. Laboratory investigation for adenovirus included real-time polymerase chain reaction and genotypes detection by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Adenovirus was detected by PCR for fiber gene in 11% with genotype 3 in 6 samples (54.5%) and genotype 7 in 5 samples (45.5%) positive for adenovirus by Multiplex PCR. The main presenting symptoms and signs in children with adenovirus detected by PCR were cough, fever, wheezing, and croups (90.9%, 81.1%, 63.6%, and 63.6%, respectively). The diagnosis in children with adenovirus was pneumonia in 72.7% and bronchitis in 27.7%. There were statistically insignificant differences in demographic, clinical, and hematological parameters between children with adenovirus and children negative to adenovirus by PCR. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of respiratory infections with adenovirus vary upon the age of the patients and the immune status. Therefore, there is a requirement for an extensive study of adenovirus in respiratory infections in children with different ages and immune status.