Adenoviridae infections

Adenoviridae Infections are a group of infections caused by viruses from the family Adenoviridae. These infections can affect various organs and tissues in humans and animals, leading to a range of diseases.

Overview

The Adenoviridae family comprises medium-sized, non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral nucleocapsid. The family includes seven genera, with the most well-known being Mastadenovirus, which is responsible for most human infections. Adenoviridae infections can occur in a wide range of hosts, including humans, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Clinical Manifestations

Adenoviridae infections can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations, depending on the specific virus and the host's immune response. In humans, these can range from mild respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, to more severe conditions like pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and conjunctivitis. Some types of adenoviruses can also cause systemic disease, affecting multiple organs and systems.

Transmission and Epidemiology

Adenoviridae infections are typically transmitted through direct contact, respiratory droplets, fecal-oral transmission, or occasionally through water or fomites. The viruses are resistant to many common disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for extended periods.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Adenoviridae infections typically involves laboratory testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serology, or viral culture. Treatment is primarily supportive, as there are currently no antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of these infections. Prevention strategies include good hygiene practices and, for some types of adenoviruses, vaccination.

See Also

• Viral Infections
• Respiratory Infections
• Gastroenteritis
• Conjunctivitis