Adenovirus

Key Points

• Adenovirus
  • Characteristics
    • DNA virus
      • Replicates in nucleus
      • Double-stranded
    • No envelope
    • Linear chromosome
  • Transmission
    • Multiple routes
      • Droplets, fecal oral, contact, etc.
    • Seen in crowded/close quarters
      • E.g. daycare centers, public swimming pools, military barracks, summer camp
  • Presentation
    • Pharyngoconjunctival fever
      • Pharyngitis (sore throat)
        • Most common cause of tonsillitis in young children
        • May be accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy
      • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
        • Outbreaks in swimming pools/lakes
        • Cervical lymphadenopathy may be seen
      • Fever (non-specific)
    • Acute hemorrhagic cystitis
      • Presents with bloody urine (hematuria)
      • Painful urination (dysuria) may also be seen
      • Most common cause of outbreaks in children
    • Pneumonia
    • Gastroenteritis
      • May present with a diarrheal illness in children
    • May cause myocarditis in children
  • Diagnosis
    • Viral culture/PCR is used
  • Treatment
    • Supportive; self-limiting
      • Cidofovir may be used in patients with immunosuppression or severe disease