Adenovirus - Information for Clinicians
Type of infection
Adenovirus subgroup F, particularly subtypes 40/41 typically cause gastroenteritis. They are a relatively common cause of gastroenteritis found in 7-9% of children with gastroenteritis. Many other serotypes of adenovirus exist and most cause respiratory illness including conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, URI, pneumonia, and occasionally cause severe infections in compromised hosts, including disseminated infection, hepatitis, and hemorrhagic cystitis.
Sources of infection
- More common in young children but can infect all ages.
- Virus is spread by the fecal oral route. Shedding can be prolonged.
- Outbreaks in day care and due to contaminated food can occur.
Usual symptoms
- Illness usually starts 8-10 days after exposure.
- Watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, and fever.
Complications
- Dehydration is the major complication.
- Prolonged abdominal pain due to mesenteric adenitis can occur.
- Bloody diarrhea in ~5%.
- Dissemination and severe complications can occur in transplant patients.
Duration of illness
- Typically 4-8 days. Can be prolonged in normal hosts and especially in immunocompromised hosts and complex chronic conditions.
Treatment
- Fluid replacement and correction of electrolyte abnormalities if needed.
- Antibiotics do not help and may make diarrhea worse.
Comments
- Wash hands carefully with soap and water after going to the bathroom or changing diapers, or cleaning up vomit or stool.
- Clean contaminated surfaces with disinfectant or bleach solution (5-25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water).
- People with diarrhea should not prepare food.