Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Adenovirus Infection

by Krisha McCoy, MS
Definition

Adenovirus infection is an infection caused by a virus. It can happen in: The infection is highly contagious. Contact your doctor if you think you have this infection.

  • Eyes
  • Intestines
  • Respiratory tract
  • Urinary tract

Causes

Adenoviruses are often the cause of the common cold . They also cause a number of other types of infections.

Risk Factors

The following factor is thought to increase the risk of developing an adenovirus infection:

  • Age: childhood, especially young children
  • Being exposed to a sneeze or cough of an infected person
  • Being exposed to fecal contamination (eg, water supplies, poor hygiene)
  • Eating food contaminated by houseflies
  • Handling an object that was exposed to an infected person
  • Person-to-person contact, especially living in close contact with others (eg, military units)
  • Swimming in lakes or pools
Symptoms

Depending on where the infection occurs, symptoms of adenovirus infection may include:

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Depending on the type of infection that is suspected, samples may be taken and sent to a lab. The samples may be:

  • Blood
  • Mucous
  • Stool
  • Urine
Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment will depend on the type of infection you have. Treatment options include:

Management of Symptoms

The infections will usually end on their own. The following steps can help you be more comfortable:

  • Taking acetaminophen or other over-the-counter medicines
  • Drinking extra fluids
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Using a humidifier

If you have conjunctivitis, your doctor may have you use warm compresses. You may also have eye ointments or drops.

Fluid Replacement

If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting that leads to dehydration, fluids may need to be given by IV.

Medical Treatment

A compromised or weak immune system can lead to a more serious infection. In this case, a doctor may need to administer certain medicines. If your immune system is weak (eg, you have HIV/AIDS or have had a recent organ transplantation), talk to your doctor.

Prevention

The best way to prevent adenovirus infection is to:

  • Avoid contact with infected persons
  • Keep swimming pools adequately chlorinated (will help prevent outbreaks of adenovirus infection associated with swimming pools)
  • Practice good hygiene including frequent hand washing and cleaning surfaces (eg, countertops, toys)

Last reviewed: March 2011 by Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH.

RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
  • Adenovirus infections. In: Peter G, ed. 1997 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases . 24th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics;1997:131.
  • Adenoviruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/eadfeat.htm . Accessed June 24, 2007.
  • Gabbert C, Donohue M, Arnold J, Schwimmer JB. Adenovirus 36 and obesity in children and adolescents. Pediatrics . 2010 Oct;126(4):721-6.
  • Foy HM. Adenoviruses. In: Evans A, Kaslow R, eds. Viral Infections in Humans: epidemiology and control . 4th ed. New York, NY: Plenum;1997:119-138.
  • Horwitz MS. Adenoviruses. In: Fields BN, Knipe DM, Howley PM, eds. Fields Virology . 3rd ed. Philadelphia:Lippincott-Raven;1995:2149-2171.
  • Infections: adenovirus. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/adenovirus.html . Accessed June 24, 2007.
  • Kranzler J, Tyler MA, Sonabend AM, et al. Stem cells as delivery vehicles for oncolytic adenoviral virotherapy. Curr Gene Ther . 2009 Oct;9(5):389-95.
  • Trei JS, Johns NM, Garner JL, et al. Spread of adenovirus to geographically dispersed military installations, May-October 2007. Emerg Infect Dis . 2010 May;16(5):769-75.