Introduction

Rotavirus A is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age and results in approximately 500,000 deaths annually with the majority occurring in the developing world. Rotavirus infection is more frequently observed in winter months in temperate climate conditions, but has less distinct seasonality in tropical climates. Generally, the clinical manifestations of rotavirus infections are more severe than other viral infections. Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever with severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Vomiting lasts for 2-3 days and diarrhea is observed for 4-5 days on average.

Adenovirus type 40 and type 41 account for up to 20% of viral gastroenteritis in young children globally, primarily affecting pediatric patients less than 2 years old. Adenoviruses do not demonstrate the seasonal distribution pattern observed in rotavirus infection. Clinical characteristics include watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and low-grade fever. High fever and dehydration are less frequently observed in comparison to rotavirus infections. A distinct feature of adenovirus infections is the protracted diarrhea and longer duration of symptoms.

Diagnosis of rotavirus and adenovirus gastroenteritis is important towards decreasing the unnecessary use of antibiotics, especially in the outpatient clinics with high patient volumes. Specific diagnosis of infection with rotavirus and adenovirus through the detection of virus antigen in stool by immunoassay methods is widely used in clinical settings.