Prevalence of enteric adenoviruses among children with diarrhea in four Brazilian cities.

BACKGROUND: Enteric adenoviruses are related to child diarrhea and appear to be spread worldwide. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of enteric adenovirus infection among children in four Brazilian cities. STUDY DESIGN: stool specimens were collected from children under 5 years of age with acute diarrhea. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Enteric adenoviruses were detected in 1.55% (n=1420) of the samples analyzed indicating the circulation of these viruses among Brazilian children in association to diarrheal disease. These agents were isolated throughout the year demonstrating no specific seasonal distribution. Also, no pattern of serotype distribution between the cities was observed.