Abstract
A gastroenteritis outbreak that occurred in 2013 in a low-income community in Rio de Janeiro was investigated for the presence of enteric viruses, including species A rotavirus (RVA), norovirus (NoV), astrovirus (HAstV), bocavirus (HBoV), aichivirus (AiV), and adenovirus (HAdV). Five of nine stool samples (83%) from patients were positive for HAdV, and no other enteric viruses were detected. Polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis, which revealed four strains and one strain of non-enteric HAdV-A12 and HAdV-F41, respectively. The HAdV-A12 nucleotide sequences shared 100% nucleotide similarity. Viral load was assessed using a TaqMan real-time PCR assay. Stool samples that were positive for HAdV-A12 had high viral loads (mean 1.9 X 107 DNA copies/g stool). All four patients with HAdV-A12 were < 25 months of age and had symptoms of fever and diarrhoea. Evaluation of enteric virus outbreaks allows the characterisation of novel or unique diarrhoea-associated viruses in regions where RVA vaccination is routinely performed.
Highlights
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children ≤ 5 years of age in developing countries
We characterised the viral agents associated with an outbreak of AGE that occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In March of 2013, the Surveillance Epidemiology System was informed of an AGE outbreak that affected 19 individuals in a low-income community in the Bangu neighbourhood of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Summary
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children ≤ 5 years of age in developing countries. HAdVs are associated with outbreaks and sporadic cases of AGE in children and adults, especially enteric viruses F40 and F41 (Lee et al 2012). We characterised the viral agents associated with an outbreak of AGE that occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
