Adenoviruses

Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that infect the lining of your eyes, airways and lungs, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system. They're common causes of fever, coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and pink eye. Adenoviruses are also one of the causes of respiratory illness in children, especially those under two years old. Some types of adenoviruses can cause other illnesses, like bladder infections and brain inflammation. The viruses are spread from person to person, but you can also catch them from contaminated objects and surfaces, like a door handle. Most people recover from an adenovirus infection by themselves, but people with weakened immune systems, or existing respiratory or cardiac disease, are at higher risk of developing severe complications from an adenovirus infection.

Classification

Adenoviruses belong to the family Adenoviridae and can be classified into seven species (A-G) and more than 50 serotypes. They are non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral nucleocapsid containing a double stranded DNA genome. Their name derives from their initial isolation from human adenoids in 1953.

Transmission

Adenoviruses are primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, which are often produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread through contact with an infected person's stool, especially in children who aren't yet toilet trained. Some types of adenoviruses can spread through other routes, such as contaminated water or food, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of an adenovirus infection can range from the common cold symptoms to pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis. Patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset.

There is no specific treatment for adenovirus infection. Most adenovirus infections are mild and they typically resolve on their own within a few days. For severe infections, treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medications to control fever and pain.

Prevention

Prevention of adenovirus infection primarily involves good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and cleaning surfaces that can be contaminated with infectious droplets.