Abstrict 

Rotavirus A and enteric adenovirus are common causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), especially in children under five years of age worldwide. This study aimed to detect the
incidence of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens in stool specimens of children with AGE admitted to a Benghazi pediatric hospital between February and April 2019. The presence of
rotavirus and adenovirus antigens in the samples was tested using an
immunochromatographic method (ICT). Between the 273 stool samples, 119 (43.58%) were
positive for viruses causing AGE. Rotavirus 74 (27.1%) was the most frequently detected,
followed by adenovirus 45 (16.5%). However, 22 (8.1%) of the samples were detected to be
positive for both virus antigens (co-infection). The highest incidence of infection with both
viruses was seen in the 1-6 month age group. There was a significant difference (P = 0.000 and
P = 0.005) between the results of the rotavirus and adenovirus samples of infected patients
within age groups as well as inpatients and outpatients (P = 0.000 and P = 0.001). Whereas with
rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens, there was no significant difference between genders
(P = 0.06 and P = 0.2, respectively). A rapid, simple ICT method is recommended for routine
diagnosis to effectively decrease unnecessary antibiotic usage and reduce overall medical costs;
nevertheless, for epidemiological studies, PCR-based assays are needed.

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