Reviewed and updated by Jennifer Collins, MSN, CRNP, ACACNP-BC: February 23, 2024
Adenovirus is a group of common viruses that can affect both animals and humans. These viruses typically cause mild cold- or flu-like illness in people of all ages with no specific seasonality (CDC, 2023). There are many different types of adenoviruses that can cause a range of illnesses ranging from mild to severe. With severe illnesses and even deaths reported secondary to adenovirus, it’s important to have a broad understanding of this virus so you can recognize symptoms, provide the best care to patients, and be able to answer questions.
There are more than 50 types of adenoviruses that can cause illness in people at any age; however, those who are immunocompromised, or who have chronic respiratory or cardiac disease are at greater risk of developing severe illness. Adenoviruses are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It is important to note that those with weakened immune systems who have ongoing asymptomatic infections, but are asymptomatic, can continue to shed the virus. Also, epidemics can occur, without seasonality, including especially through communities or crowded settings.
Signs and symptoms
Patients with adenovirus typically present with cold symptoms. However, other wide range of illness and symptoms may occur, including:
- Sore throat
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Diarrhea
- Gastroenteritis
- Conjunctivitis
- Fever
- Cystitis
- Neurologic disease (CDC, 2024)
The CDC is currently working with health departments across the country and world to identify children diagnosed with acute hepatitis with an unknown cause to examine a possible relationship to adenovirus type 41 infection (CDC, 2022). In October 2021, in a hospital in Alabama five children were diagnosed with hepatitis with an unknown cause, including some with liver failure. All five children tested positive for adenovirus. In addition to looking for more cases in Alabama, the CDC issued a notice calling for state and local health departments nationwide to report potential cases (CDC, 2022).
Diagnosis
A variety of ways can be utilized to identify the adenovirus, including antigen detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), virus isolation, and serology (CDC, 2023). However, a diagnosis can prove challenging, as even if a person has adenovirus infection, it might not be causing their specific illness. Clusters of adenovirus infections should be reported to the state or local health department.
Transmission
Adenoviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through personal contact, respiratory droplet particles, or transmission via contaminated surfaces. It is also possible for these viruses to be transmitted through water contamination, for example swimming pools and lakes.
Prevention
How can you help prevent transmission of adenovirus infections?
- Follow infection control protocol policies of your institution.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Maintain contact and droplet precautions for infected patients.
- Keep staff informed of adenovirus-infected patients.
- Stay up to date on current outbreaks and recommendations from the CDC.
- The adenovirus vaccine is recommended for military personnel 17 to 50 years of age who are entering basic training or may be at high risk for adenovirus infection (CDC, 2020).
- Ensure environmental cleaning with appropriate disinfectants.
- Respond promptly and report clusters of cases.
Treatment
No specific treatment for adenovirus infection exists. Provide supportive management of symptoms and possible complications. For hospitalized patients with severe adenovirus infection, consultation with infectious disease experts is recommended.
Tags :