Molecular characterization of adenovirus circulating in Central and South America during the 2006–2008 period

BACKGROUND: Human Adenoviruses are recognized pathogens, causing a broad spectrum of diseases. Serotype identification is critical for epidemiological surveillance, detection of new strains and understanding of HAdvs pathogenesis. Little data is available about HAdvs subtypes in Latin America. METHODS: In this study, we have molecularly characterized 213 adenoviruses collected from ILI presenting patients, during 2006-08, in Central and South America. RESULTS: Our results indicate that 161(76%) adenoviruses belong to subgroup C, 45 (21%) to subgroup B and 7 (3%) to subtype E4.