Symptoms and diagnosis of adenovirus infections

Adenoviruses can be described as a group of viruses which are responsible for infecting tissues that line the intestines, respiratory tract, nervous system, eyes and urinary tract. They often develop in the nuclei of infected cells forming a packed crystalline arrangement. The virus particle itself doesn’t contain an outer envelope, it is spheroidal (approx. 80nm in diameter), covered with 252 regularly configured protein capsomers and has a double stranded DNA that is wrapped around a protective coated protein. This group of viruses consists of 47 serotypes (species) and 6 genera that can cause fever and sore throat in humans, hepatitis in dogs and many different diseases in mice, fowl, pigs, cattle and monkeys.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms for this virus can vary depending on which part of the body has been affected.

1. Respiratory disease:

Most common adenoviral infection which is experienced in kids. It generally appears as a flu like illness and has many different symptoms for example; swollen lymph nodes or glands, sore throat, inflammation of pharynx, runny or congested nose, nasal membrane inflammation and a dry whooping cough.

2. Gastroenteritis:

Usually involves inflammation of the small intestines, large intestines and the stomach. Some of the common symptoms include: headache, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting and watery diarrhea.

3. Eye infections:

• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye): a mild inflammation of the membranes that are covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the eye (conjunctiva). Common symptoms include: discharge, tearing and red eyes.
• Pharyngoconjunctival fever: affecting both the lining of the eye and the respiratory tract. Symptoms can include: severe sore throat, very red eyes and in many cases swollen lymph nodes, low-grade fever and rhinitis.
• Keratoconjunctivitis: an extremely contagious and a more severe infection of both the cornea and the conjunctiva in both eyes. Found in young adults and older kids with symptoms such as: blurry vision, photophobia, tearing, red eyes and lots of pain.

4. Nervous system infections:

Meningitis and encephalitis are the most common examples and the symptoms they display can include: headache, fever, stiff neck, skin rash, nausea and vomiting.

5. Urinary tract infections:

Can lead to a condition known as hemorrhagic cystitis (blood in the urine). This condition will in most cases resolve on its own. Symptoms include: blood in the urine, burning sensation, pain and frequent urination.

Diagnosis of adenovirus infections

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, various laboratory diagnostic tests for adenoviruses can be undertaken.

1. Performing tests and analysis of:

• Conjunctival secretions
• Respiratory secretions
• Blood and urine samples
• Stool samples

2. Tests to detect the presence of specific adenovirus:

• Antigen detection test (Adenovirus IgM and Adenovirus IgG)

• Isolation through viral cultures
• Polymerase chain reaction assay

There are many clinical conditions that display similar signs and even symptoms in some cases. Therefore, it is vital that any healthcare provider undertakes the relevant additional tests in order to rule out any other possible clinical conditions before they provide the definitive diagnosis.

BioSupply is a specialist provider of immunoassay and diagnostic kits.