Adenovirus

Background

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses discovered in 1953 that cause infections in people of all ages. They get their names from the adenoids (a part of the throat) where they were first found. Over 50 types of adenoviruses can infect the respiratory system (e.g., the nose, throat, and lungs), eyes, stomach, intestines, and bladder. Most infections are mild, similar to a cold, but they can sometimes lead to severe illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Adenoviruses are tricky viruses to deal with because they lack an outer “envelope,” making them resistant to common disinfectants. They can survive on surfaces like doorknobs or towels for weeks.

Signs, Symptoms, and Causative Agent

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms depend on which part of the body is infected:

• Respiratory infections: Runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and pneumonia.
• Eye infections: Redness, itching, and discharge (“pink eye”).
• Stomach/intestinal infections: Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
• Bladder infections: Pain when urinating or blood in urine.

Symptoms usually start 2–14 days after exposure and last 3–7 days. Severe cases may take weeks to resolve.

Causative Agent

Adenoviruses are DNA viruses divided into seven groups (A–G). Each group targets different body parts. For example:

• Groups B and C: Cause colds and pneumonia.
• Group D: Linked to eye infections.
• Groups F and G: Cause stomach and intestinal issues.

The virus has a geometric protein shell (like a soccer ball) that protects its genetic material5.

Diagnostic Methods

Medical professionals use these lab tests to confirm adenovirus infections:

• PCR tests: Detect viral DNA in mucus, stool, or blood.
• Antigen tests: Identify viral proteins using rapid swabs.
• Virus culture: Grow the virus in a lab (takes 1–3 weeks).

Testing is most accurate within the first week of symptoms.

Modes of Transmission

Adenoviruses spread easily through:

• Close contact: Hugging, shaking hands, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
• Airborne droplets: Coughing or sneezing.
• Fecal-oral route: By not washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Water: Swimming in pools without proper chlorine.

Outbreaks often occur in schools, hospitals, and military camps.

Treatment and Care

Possible Known Complications

Most people recover fully, but severe cases can lead to:

• Pneumonia: Lung infection requiring hospitalization.
• Organ failure: Rare liver or heart issues.
• Long-term shedding: People with weak immune systems may spread the virus for months.

Treatment Recommendations

No specific antiviral drugs exist for mild cases. Treatment focuses on symptom relief:

• Hydration: Drink water, broth, or electrolyte drinks.
• Fever/pain relief: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
• Rest: Avoid school or work until symptoms improve.

Hospital care (oxygen, IV fluids) is needed for severe breathing problems or dehydration.

Prevention

General Prevention

• Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds.
• Disinfect surfaces with bleach-based cleaners.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Stay home if symptoms appear.

Available Vaccines

History and Development

A military vaccine for types 4 and 7 was used from 1971 to 1999 and reintroduced in 2011. It is given as oral tablets to prevent outbreaks in recruits.

Current Vaccination Recommendations

No public vaccine is available. Research continues to create vaccines for the public.

Viral Vector Vaccines

It is important not to confuse adenovirus vaccines against adenovirus disease with vaccines that use an adenovirus as a “viral vector.” The latter are vaccines that use an inactive, hollowed-out adenovirus particle to deliver genetic material to the immune system. The recipient’s immune system then uses that material to create proteins that mimic the proteins of the pathogen against which the vaccine is intended. Viral vector vaccines do not reduce the risk of adenovirus infection and disease.

Conclusion

Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause cold-like illnesses, pink eye, or stomach bugs. While most cases are mild, good hygiene—like handwashing and disinfecting surfaces—can prevent spread. Severe infections require medical care, but no specific cure exists. Scientists are working to improve vaccines for future use.

Resources and Additional Reading

1. American Thoracic Society. Adenovirus Infection and Outbreaks: What You Need to Know. ATS Patient Education. 2025. https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/adenovirus.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Overview of Adenovirus. Updated June 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
3. Nemours KidsHealth. Adenovirus. Updated November 9, 2023. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adenovirus.html
4. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Adenovirus Infections. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/adenovirus-infections
5. UPMC Eye Center. Adenovirus Lab Testing. https://eyemicrobiology.upmc.com/Adenovirus.htm
6. Cleveland Clinic. Adenovirus. Updated December 13, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23022-adenovirus
7. Cedars-Sinai. What Is Adenovirus? December 4, 2018. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/what-is-adenovirus.html
8. Jiang L, Erdman DD. Rapid Detection and Identification of Human Adenovirus Species by PCR. J Clin Microbiol. 2004;42(1):396-401.
9. Virginia Department of Health. Adenovirus Infection. Updated January 25, 2025. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/adenovirus-infection/
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laboratory Testing for Adenovirus. Updated June 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/php/laboratory-testing/index.html
11. Cornell Wildlife Health Lab. Adenovirus. https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/adenovirus
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Adenovirus. Updated November 27, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/about/index.html
13. WebMD. Adenovirus Infection. Updated October 19, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/children/adenovirus-infections
14. American Academy of Pediatrics. Adenovirus Infections in Children. Updated June 30, 2022. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Adenovirus-Infections.aspx

This page was updated on February 18, 2025. Click here to see the previous version of this page.