🦠 Adenovirus
Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that can cause a wide range of illnesses in people of all ages. They are especially frequent in children, military recruits, and those with weakened immune systems.
🧬 Transmission:
- Airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing)
- Direct contact (touching contaminated surfaces or objects)
- Fecal-oral route (especially in children or poor hygiene settings)
- Waterborne outbreaks (e.g., poorly chlorinated swimming pools)
🩺 Common Illnesses Caused by Adenoviruses:
- Respiratory infections
- Cold-like symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Gastroenteritis
- Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Bladder infections (hemorrhagic cystitis in children)
- Neurological disease (rare, in immunocompromised individuals)
🩺 Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough, sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Red, watery eyes
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (in GI infections)
- Body aches and fatigue
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Clinical evaluation based on symptoms
- Lab tests (PCR, antigen detection, or viral culture) if needed, especially in outbreaks or severe cases
💊 Treatment:
- No specific antiviral for most cases
- Supportive care: rest, fluids, fever management
- Cidofovir or brincidofovir may be used in severe cases in immunocompromised patients
🛡️ Prevention:
- Good hand hygiene
- Avoid sharing towels, utensils, or eye cosmetics
- Disinfect surfaces regularly
- Avoid swimming in poorly maintained pools
- Live oral vaccine available for military personnel (against types 4 & 7)
⚠️ Complications (rare but serious):
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis or encephalitis
- Severe disease in infants, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems