Microbiology
Summary
Adenovirus is a naked DNA virus transmitted through respiratory droplets and the fecal-oral route. Adenovirus particularly poses a threat to young children, military recruits in tightly packed barracks, and users of public pools.
The primary diseases caused by adenovirus include tonsillitis, hemorrhagic cystitis, a bladder infection resulting in gross hematuria, and viral conjunctivitis (pink eye). The virus is defendable via a live attenuated vaccine, particularly recommended for military recruits.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
Adenoviruses are actually a broad group of viruses that are responsible for a wide range of illnesses, such as respiratory and eye infections. They are significant in medical studies due to their ability to affect various tissues in the body, and the implications this has for understanding viral infections and developing effective therapies.
Adenovirus can be transmitted through several routes, with the most common being fecal-oral transmission, where the virus is found in the feces of an infected person and subsequently ingested by another individual. Additionally, adenovirus can be spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person or their belongings, or exposure to contaminated water or surfaces.
Adenovirus symptoms can vary substantially, depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose, which are indicative of a respiratory infection. However, adenovirus can also cause gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain; viral conjunctivitis, with symptoms like redness, swelling, and discharge in the eyes; or hemorrhagic cystitis, with symptoms like bloody urine and pain during urination.
As of now, the vaccine against adenovirus is only given to military recruits in the United States due to a significant history of adenovirus outbreaks in military camps. The vaccine protects against adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7, which are among the most common causes of adenovirus infection in this population.
In general, children are more susceptible to adenovirus infections because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. They may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe complications like pneumonia. Adults can also contract adenovirus, but they are more likely to have milder symptoms or be asymptomatic; however, adults with a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at increased risk of severe adenovirus infection.
