Adenovirus infections
Adenovirus infections are highly contagious illnesses caused by adenoviruses, which can affect various parts of the body, including the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, and urinary system. Commonly associated with symptoms of the common cold, these infections can also lead to more severe health issues, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, fecal contamination, and person-to-person contact, making hygiene practices crucial in prevention. Symptoms vary depending on the site of infection and may include fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, and conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis typically involves laboratory tests on samples such as mucus, blood, or stool to identify the virus. While adenovirus infections often resolve on their own, treatment focuses on symptom management, including hydration and rest. In severe cases, especially with compromised immune systems, medical intervention may be necessary. Preventative measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring proper sanitation in shared spaces like swimming pools. Understanding these aspects can help individuals take proactive steps to protect themselves and others from adenovirus infections.
Adenovirus infections
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Eyes, gastrointestinal system, intestines, lungs, respiratory system, urinary system
Definition
Adenovirus infections are highly contagious infections caused by a virus. The infections can happen in the respiratory tract, the eyes, the intestines, and the urinary tract.
Causes
Adenoviruses, which are often the cause of the common cold, also cause a number of other types of infections. Adenoviruses can be spread through exposure to a sneeze or cough of an infected person, exposure to fecal contamination (for example, water supplies and poor hygiene), eating food contaminated by houseflies, person-to-person contact, handling an object that was exposed to an infected person, and swimming in contaminated lakes and pools.
Risk Factors
Children, especially young children, are at special risk of developing an adenovirus infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of adenovirus infection depend on where the infection occurs and may include fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, runny nose, cough, swollen lymph nodes, middle-ear infection, lower respiratory problems, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps, frequent urination, conjunctivitis, red eyes, keratoconjunctivitis (corneal inflammation), and burning, pain, or blood in the urine.
Screening and Diagnosis
Depending on the type of infection that is suspected, samples may be taken from the patient and then sent to a lab. The samples may be mucus, stool, blood, or urine. The laboratory tests used to analyze the samples include Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), partial or full genome sequencing, and antigen detection.
Treatment and Therapy
Treatment options include the management of symptoms. The infection will usually end on its own. Steps that might help relieve these symptoms include getting extra rest, drinking increased amounts of fluids, using a humidifier, and taking acetaminophen or other over-the-counter medications. For conjunctivitis, the doctor might recommend using warm compresses, or the doctor could recommend eye ointments or drops. For severe diarrhea or vomiting, fluids may need to be given intravenously. This will prevent dehydration.
A compromised or weak immune system can lead to a more serious infection. In this case, a doctor may need to administer certain medicines.
Prevention and Outcomes
The best way to prevent adenovirus infection is to avoid contact with infected persons; to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and cleaning of surfaces (such as toys and countertops); and to keep swimming pools adequately chlorinated, which will help prevent outbreaks of adenovirus infection associated with swimming pools.
Bibliography
"Adenoviruses." CDC, 1 Nov. 2024, www.cdc.gov/adenovirus. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
"Adenovirus Infection - Epidemiology." Virginia Department of Health, 7 Sept. 2023, www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/adenovirus-infection. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
"Adenovirus Infections." Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/adenovirus-infections. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
Foy, H. M. "Adenoviruses." Viral Infections in Humans: Epidemiology and Control, edited by A. Evans and R. Kaslow. 4th ed., Plenum, 1997.
Gray, G. C. "Adenovirus Transmission Worthy of Our Attention." Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 194, July 2006, pp. 871-873.
Horwitz, M. S. "Adenoviruses." Fields’ Virology, edited by David M. Knipe and Peter M. Howley. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.
"Laboratory Testing for Adenovirus." CDC, 4 June 2024, www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/php/laboratory-testing/index.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
Pickering, Larry K., et al., editors. Red Book: 2009 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 28th ed., American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009.
Pitone, Melanie L. "Adenovirus (for Parents)." Nemours Kids Health, Apr. 2022, kidshealth.org/en/parents/adenovirus.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.