Molecular typing and epidemiology profiles of human adenovirus infection among children with severe acute respiratory infection in Huzhou, China

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are prevalent worldwide and are a common cause of respiratory tract infection in people of all ages. However, little is known about HAdV infection among children with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). The present study retrospectively analysed the molecular typing and epidemiological characteristics of HAdV-positive samples from children with SARI from January 2017 to December 2021 in Huzhou. The results showed that 89 (8 center dot 27%) of 1078 SARI paediatric patients were positive for HAdVs. Children <5 years of age accounted for 87 center dot 64% of the positive cases. The peak seasons for HAdV infection were the first quarter and the fourth quarter. In addition, HAdV-B and HAdV-C were circulating among paediatric patients with SARI, of which the B3 genotype (n = 30, 51 center dot 72%) was the most prevalent and was detected every year, indicating that B3 is the main epidemic strain in the Huzhou area, followed by C1 (n = 9, 15 center dot 52%), C2 (n = 7, 12 center dot 07%) and B7 (n = 5, 8 center dot 62%). These findings provide a benchmark for future epidemiology and prevention strategies for HAdVs.