Adenoviruses

What is Adenoviruses?

Adenoviruses are a type of virus that is common in animals and humans, including adults and children. Over 100 different strains of adenovirus exist, and 49 of those can infect humans. These viruses are divided into two main types: one that infects birds (aviadenoviruses), and one that infects mammals (mastadenoviruses). The adenovirus is highly present in animals and can survive for a long time outside a host. It is constantly present and can infect people throughout the year.

Depending on the specific strain, the adenovirus can cause multiple diseases. It can be spread through tiny air droplets, direct contact with the eye’s surface, touching infected tissues or blood, as well as through the fecal-oral route. The virus can infect multiple body organs and most of the time, people may not even show symptoms of being infected. Adenoviruses can cause cancer in rodents, but there’s no evidence of this happening in humans yet. Usually, adenovirus infections are temporary and require only simple care and treatment measures in healthy individuals. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, the virus can cause more serious diseases that can potentially be life-threatening.

What Causes Adenoviruses?

Adenoviruses are types of viruses that can cause infections in different parts of the body, including the digestive system, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and in other organs – particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Group C adenoviruses, in particular, are known to infect the lower respiratory tract or lungs.

However, most people with adenovirus infections will recover on their own, and serious illness or death usually occurs only in those who have a compromised immune system. These infections are often seen in military recruits, people living closely together, and in children. They are primarily spread through droplets in the air, but can also be spread through contaminated feces (poop).

Places where adenovirus infections are common include daycare centers, crowded locations like military barracks, public swimming pools, homes with young children, and hospitals.

Risk Factors and Frequency for Adenoviruses

Adenovirus is an infection that often occurs in early spring or winter, but it can also happen at any time of the year. It usually affects children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, as well as those aged 5 to 9 years old. This virus can come from various sources, such as everyday objects, previous infections, or from being around infected people who might spread it through close contact, touching eyes, or sharing food.

The infection is common among military recruits in the United States and other countries, with certain types of the virus leading to serious respiratory conditions. After infection, it can take anywhere from 2 to 14 days for symptoms to appear. For some people, the virus can hide in body tissues for years, and those with weakened immune systems may have flare-ups later on. Some may carry the virus without showing any symptoms for weeks or months.

Most common cleaning products won’t kill the Adenovirus, but a solution of 95% ethanol has been shown to be effective. The virus often results in upper respiratory tract infections and eye infections. It carries a specific protein that is strongly connected with the DNA of the virus and plays a critical role during an active infection.

• Adenovirus often occurs in early spring or winter, but can happen year-round.
• It typically affects children between 6 months and 2 years, as well as those aged between 5 and 9.
• The virus can come from various sources, including everyday objects, previous infections, or from infected people.
• Military recruits often experience Adenovirus infections, which can lead to severe respiratory conditions.
• It can take from 2 to 14 days for symptoms to appear after infection.
• Some people may not show any symptoms for weeks or months.
• Most common cleaning products won’t kill the virus, but a 95% ethanol solution is effective.
• It often leads to upper respiratory tract infections and eye infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Adenoviruses

Adenovirus infections often don’t show any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can lead to health issues such as an eye infection called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, an inflammation of the bladder called acute hemorrhagic cystitis, and stomach or intestinal inflammation known as gastroenteritis. Symptoms can vary based on which part of the body is infected and could include fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands, runny nose, watery eyes, pink or bloody urine, and difficulty breathing. Doctors may observe swollen neck glands, inflammation of the throat and eyes, and tonsillitis during a physical examination.

• Eye infection (epidemic keratoconjunctivitis)
• Bladder inflammation (acute hemorrhagic cystitis)
• Stomach or intestinal inflammation (gastroenteritis)
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen neck glands
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Pink or bloody urine
• Difficulty breathing
• Inflamed eyes and throat
• Tonsillitis

Testing for Adenoviruses

Adenovirus testing is grounded on evaluating the symptoms shown by a patient. Additional laboratory tests can provide more information and cement the adenovirus diagnosis. These tests could include checking for the presence of the virus in a culture, running a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test to detect the virus’s DNA, performing a viral antigen assay to identify specific viral proteins, and serology to examine the antibodies in the blood produced in response to the infection.

Treatment Options for Adenoviruses

The treatment for adenovirus infection mainly involves relieving the symptoms. This includes staying hydrated, resting, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs. Antiviral medications are seldom given to individuals with a healthy immune system but may be provided for those with weakened immune systems. However, it’s important to note that many antiviral medications can cause side effects.

Preventing adenovirus infections can be achieved through a few methods. For individuals aged 17 to 50, particularly military recruits, vaccinations are available. Other effective preventive measures include maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces like pools and adhering to proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of droplets.

While adenovirus infections are usually not severe, viruses like these have been linked to cell and animal tumor development. Vaccinations can be efficiently created against them using DNA technology. These vaccines prompt the body to produce neutralizing antibodies against the virus, offering protection. Vaccines utilizing such adenovirus proteins have undergone successful testing.

What else can Adenoviruses be?

• Rhinoviruses (common cold virus)
• Coronaviruses (includes viruses that cause colds as well as more serious diseases like COVID-19)
• Influenza viruses (causes flu)
• Parainfluenza viruses (can cause respiratory infections, especially in children)
• Enteroviruses (can cause various illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to serious diseases)
• Human metapneumoviruses (cause respiratory infections, most commonly in infants and young children)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract, especially in infants)

What to expect with Adenoviruses

People with an adenovirus infection usually have a very good chance of recovery. However, those with weakened immune systems face a more serious risk; in these individuals, the death rates can reach up to 70%.

Possible Complications When Diagnosed with Adenoviruses

• Bronchiolitis obliterans
• Disseminated adenovirus infection
• Bronchiectasis

Preventing Adenoviruses

The patient needs to be particularly careful by routinely washing their hands with soap and water or using sanitizers that effectively kill adenoviruses. They should refrain from sharing towels and pillows with others in their household if they have conjunctivitis to prevent the spread of the infection. Although maintaining good hygiene might be challenging for kids, they should be taught and reminded about these steps regularly. Advising patients about the possibility of prolonged eye complications from this eye condition, which can be contagious, is also necessary.