Positivity Rate of Rotavirus and Adenovirus in Acute Gastroenteritis Patients: A Three-Year Analysis Based on Age, Season, and Gender

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children under five years of age. Among viral pathogens, rotavirus and adenovirus are the leading causes of both endemic and epidemic AGE worldwide. This study aims to investigate the positivity rate of rotavirus and adenovirus among gastroenteritis-suspected patients in Istanbul, focusing on demographic factors and seasonal distribution.
METHODS: Between May 1, 2020, and May 1, 2023, stool samples from 16,064 patients who presented to Baþakþehir Çam ve Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul were retrospectively evaluated. Rotavirus and adenovirus antigens were analyzed using two different immunochromatographic rapid tests employed during the study period: the CerTest® RotaAdeno Card Test (CerTest Biotec, Spain) and the Rotavirus Adenovirus Rapid Antigen Test (Türklab, Türkiye). Patients were categorized by age groups (0–12, 13–36, 37–60 months, 6–18 years, and >18 years), gender, and seasons. Statistical analyses were conducted using Chi-square and Z-tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 2,270 (14.1%) patients tested positive for rotavirus, and 595 (3.7%) tested positive for adenovirus. The highest positivity rate for rotavirus occurred in the 13–36 months age group (20.3%), while adenovirus was most common in the 37–60 months age group (4.8%) (p<0.001). When the positivity rates between genders were examined, no significant difference was found (rotavirus: female and male 14.1%; adenovirus: female 3.9%, male 3.5%; p>0.05). Rotavirus infections peaked in spring and summer (14.7%-14.5%), whereas adenovirus infections peaked in autumn (4.5%) (p<0.05). The co-infection rate was 0.58% (n=93).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Rotavirus has become a more dominant pathogen causing AGE than adenovirus. Both viruses showed high levels of positivity, especially in early childhood. The seasonal patterns indicate that rotavirus peaks in spring and summer, while adenovirus sees an increase in autumn. These insights are crucial for developing targeted preventive measures for managing AGE in specific age groups.

Keywords: Acute gastroenteritis, adenovirus, rotavirus