[Use of a rapid method for detecting adenovirus in the feces of children]. / Utilidad de una técnica rápida para detección de adenovirus en heces de niños.

Adenovirus (ADV) and rotavirus (RV) were screened by latex aglutination (LA) in 772 fecal samples from hospitalized and non hospitalized children under 7 years of age, those included 55 control samples. Reactive samples were confirmed by electron microscopy (ME) and enzimoimmunoassay (EIA). ADV were found in 20 (2.6%) samples and RV in 25 (3.2%). Coinfection by both viruses was not demonstrated. The greatest percentage of findings was observed in watery (23% ADV and 25% RV) and almost watery stools (8% ADV and 25% RV). We did not find any of those viruses in samples from control children. Concordance between LA and confirmation methods used was excellent. Thus the LA tests could provide a simple tool for the diagnosis of non hospitalized patients, increasing the possibilities of a rapid ethiological diagnostic in infectious diarrhoeas.