Prevalence of Nosocomial Diarrhea Due to Adenoviruses 40 and 41 in a Paediatric Ward in Iran

Abstract

Background: Enteric adenoviruses 40 (Ad40) and adenovirus 41 (Ad41) have been shown to be a significant cause of paediatric gastroenteritis worldwide, but no data are available for nosocomial diarrhea due to adenovirus in Iran. Aim: The present study was performed to determine the incidence of Ad40 and Ad41 in children less than five years with nosocomial diarrhea in Shahrekord, southwest Iran. Materials and Methods: Adenovirus was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in stool samples collected during one year (2010-2011) from children less than five years with nosocomial diarrhea admitted to a paediatric center in Shahrekord, Iran. Nosocomial diarrhea was defined as those occurring more than 72 hours after admission to hospital for non-diarrheal causes. PCR technique was used for investigation of Ad40 and Ad41. Results: In total of 100 samples, Ad40 and Ad41 DNA was found to be positive in 14/100 (14), and 8/100 (8) of diarrheic patients less than five years, respectively. Conclusion: Ad40 and Ad41 are important causes of nosocomial diarrhea in less than five-year, hospitalized Iranian children.