Adenovirus Infection - Causes and Symptoms

Definition:

Adenoviruses are are DNA viruses (small infectious agents) that cause upper respiratory tract infections such as a common cold, conjunctivitis (an infection in the eye), croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis (inflammation of the lower airways), or pneumonia.

Adenoviruses are responsible for about 3-5% of acute respiratory infections in children and 2% of respiratory illnesses in civilian adults. They are very common among military recruits and other young people who live in institutional environments. Outbreaks among children are frequently reported at boarding schools and summer camps. Adenoviruses can also cause infections in the urinary tract or intestinal tract. In children, adenoviruses usually cause infections in the respiratory tract and intestinal tract.

Causes of Adenovirus Infection

Anyone can get adenoviral infections, from newborns to the elderly - but, are more common among children of ages 6 months and 2 years. Children in day care are most likely to get repeated adenoviral infections.

Adenovirus can spread via direct contact, airborne transmission , fecal-oral transmission, and occasionally waterborne transmission. Because the virus is stable in the environment, fomites are a common cause of spread. Spread has been documented from contaminated swimming pools and towels. Some types of adenoviruses are capable of establishing persistent asymptomatic infections in the tonsils , adenoids , and intestines. Shedding of the virus can occur for months or years after the initial infection.

Symptoms of Adenovirus Infection

Outbreaks of adenovirus-associated respiratory disease have been more common in the late winter, spring, and early summer. However, adenovirus infections can occur throughout the year.

Children who have normal immune systems usually experience only very minor symptoms when infected with adenovirus. The course of infection tends to be more serious in children who are immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or those who have a disease that disrupts normal immune response (e.g. human immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV]). In such children, the virus more often affects organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and the risk of fatality increases.

Other Symptoms associated with adenovirus infections may be:

• Cough.
• Fever.
• Runny Nose.
• Sore Throat.
• Watery Eyes.

Treatment of Adenovirus Infection

Most infections are mild and require no therapy or only symptomatic treatment. Supportive treatment includes bed rest, antipyretics, and analgesics. Ocular infections may require corticosteroids and direct supervision by an ophthalmologist. Because there is no virus-specific therapy, serious adenovirus illness can be managed only by treating symptoms and complications of the infection. In a very few cases, hospitalization may be required - like in case of pneumonia (in infants) to prevent death and in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKe) to prevent blindness.

Some other Treatment options which may make healing fast are:

• Increased Fluid Intake - Keeping your child well hydrated by encouraging fluids by mouth is important. If necessary, an intravenous (IV) line may be started to give your child fluids and essential electrolytes.
• Bronchodilator Medications - Bronchodilator medications may be used to open your child's airways. These medications are often administered in an aerosol mist by a mask or through an inhaler.

Preventing Adenovirus Infection

• Live vaccines have been developed against adenovirus types 4 and 7 and can prevent adenoviral infection. These vaccines are recommended for high-risk groups such as military recruits.
• Adequate amount of Chlorination of drinking water, wastewater.
• High hygiene standards in opthamology practice.
• Measures to prevent nosocomial transmission.
• To help minimize the incidence of adenoviral disease, instruct all patients in proper hand washing before taking food to reduce fecal-oral transmission.
• Adenovirus infection can also be prevented by sterilizing ophthalmic instruments, adequate chlorination in swimming pools, and avoiding swimming pools during EKC epidemics.