Emergence of Human Enteric Adenovirus F41 Among Children with Gastroenteritis in North-central Bangladesh, 2022-2024

Human enteric adenovirus F-41 is an emerging cause of pediatric gastroenteritis, but data from South Asia remain limited. We investigated the molecular epidemiology, clinical features, seasonality of adenovirus-associated gastroenteritis and feasibility of an IC kit among children under 5 in north-central Bangladesh during July 2022–June 2024. Fecal samples from 360 children with acute gastroenteritis were tested for viral and bacterial pathogens using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Human adenovirus was detected in 7% of cases. Most adenovirus-positive samples (76%) were adenovirus F-41. Infected children, aged 12–35 months, exhibited more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including dehydration and severe vomiting. Infections peaked during colder months and were correlated with temperature. Study isolates were closely related with contemporary global adenovirus F-41 strains. A rapid immunochromatographic assay demonstrated high agreement with RT-PCR. These findings identify adenovirus F-41 as an emerging contributor to pediatric gastroenteritis in Bangladesh and highlight the need for enhanced surveillance.