Abstract
Seventy-three group B adenoviruses (29 type 3 and 44 type 7) identified in a recent community outbreak were analysed with restriction endonucleases. Considerable genetic heterogeneity was identified, particularly amongst the type 3 isolates, but this genome variation could not be correlated with either clinical or epidemiological findings. Group F adenoviruses were found in 132 (4.1%) of 3202 stool specimens from children with gastroenteritis and, after rotaviruses, they were the most common viruses identified. Unlike rotaviruses, these enteric adenoviruses were endemic throughout the 3–year study period and the greatest proportion of infections (47.6%) were found in babies under 6 months old.
