Adenovirus: Infections, Transmission, and Symptoms

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Questions and Answers

Why are adenovirus infections particularly common in children attending daycare or school?

  • Children have inherently weaker immune systems compared to adults.
  • Vaccination rates against adenoviruses are lower in children than in adults.
  • Close proximity and frequent contact with surfaces facilitate transmission. (correct)
  • Adenoviruses are more virulent in younger populations due to genetic factors.

What is the primary mechanism by which adenoviruses cause disease within the host?

  • Replicating within epithelial cells, leading to cell lysis and inflammation. (correct)
  • Releasing toxins that disrupt cellular function.
  • Suppressing the host's immune response, allowing for secondary infections.
  • Inducing an autoimmune response targeting infected cells.

A patient presents with red, watery eyes and photophobia, alongside a fever and sore throat. Which clinical syndrome is most likely associated with these symptoms?

  • Adenoviral pneumonia
  • Adenoviral gastroenteritis
  • Pharyngoconjunctival fever (correct)
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Which diagnostic method is best suited for rapid and specific identification of adenovirus in a clinical sample?

<p>PCR for adenovirus DNA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are antibiotics generally not prescribed as a primary treatment for adenovirus infections?

<p>Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of adenovirus infections in community settings?

<p>Frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is most likely to arise from adenoviral gastroenteritis, especially in young children?

<p>Severe dehydration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what specific situation might antiviral therapy (e.g., cidofovir or brincidofovir) be considered for an adenovirus infection?

<p>Severe or systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A chest X-ray of a patient with an adenovirus infection reveals interstitial infiltrates. Which condition does this finding suggest?

<p>Pneumonia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason live attenuated adenovirus vaccines are primarily used in military personnel?

<p>Adenovirus infections can significantly disrupt military operations and readiness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can adenovirus infections sometimes be mistaken for streptococcal pharyngitis?

<p>Adenovirus infection and streptococcal pharyngitis have similar symptoms, like sore throat and fever. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of adenovirus contributes most significantly to its ability to spread easily?

<p>Its non-enveloped structure, which enhances environmental stability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which serotypes of adenovirus are most commonly associated with causing gastroenteritis?

<p>Serotypes 40 and 41 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind using saline eye drops in the symptomatic relief of adenoviral conjunctivitis?

<p>Saline eye drops reduce inflammation and wash away irritants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a patient suspected of having adenoviral pneumonia, which of the following would be the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?

<p>Chest X-ray (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of identifying the specific serotype of adenovirus in a clinical setting?

<p>It helps in predicting the likely clinical syndrome and potential complications. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a typical route of transmission for adenoviruses?

<p>Airborne transmission over long distances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying characteristic increases the risk of severe systemic adenovirus infection?

<p>Immunocompromised status (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary target of adenovirus infection in the body?

<p>Epithelial cells lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and conjunctival mucosa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely long-term complication stemming from persistent adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis?

<p>Vision issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Adenoviruses

Non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses; at least 57 human serotypes exist.

Adenovirus Transmission

Respiratory droplets, fecal-oral route, direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Adenovirus Pathogenesis

Infection of epithelial cells, leading to cell lysis, inflammation, and tissue damage.

Adenovirus Respiratory Infection Symptoms

Fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion. May mimic strep throat or flu.

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Adenovirus Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Red, watery eyes, photophobia; often associated with pharyngoconjunctival fever.

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Adenovirus Gastroenteritis Symptoms

Watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain; commonly caused by serotypes 40 and 41.

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Adenovirus Diagnosis

Symptoms vary; PCR, viral culture, rapid antigen tests on swabs.

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Adenovirus Treatment

Antipyretics, hydration, symptomatic relief; antivirals (cidofovir/brincidofovir) for severe cases.

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Adenovirus Prevention

Frequent handwashing, avoid sharing items, surface disinfection; live attenuated vaccines for military.

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Adenovirus Complications

Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, ARDS (respiratory); dehydration (gastrointestinal); meningitis/encephalitis (neurological).

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Study Notes

  • Adenovirus infections come from adenoviruses, non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses.
  • At least 57 human adenovirus serotypes classified into seven species (A–G) exist.

Transmission

  • Respiratory droplets.
  • Fecal-oral route.
  • Direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
  • Adenovirus is common in children, particularly in daycare or school settings.

Pathogenesis

  • Adenoviruses infect epithelial cells of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or conjunctival mucosa.
  • Replication leads to cell lysis, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
  • Certain serotypes are associated with specific clinical syndromes such as pharyngoconjunctival fever, keratoconjunctivitis, or gastroenteritis.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms vary depending on serotype and site of infection.

Respiratory infection

  • Fever, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion occur.
  • May mimic streptococcal pharyngitis or influenza.

Conjunctivitis

  • Red, watery eyes, photophobia.
  • Associated with pharyngoconjunctival fever.

Gastroenteritis

  • Diarrhea (watery), vomiting, abdominal pain.
  • Commonly caused by serotypes 40 and 41.

Systemic infections

  • Rare, but may occur in immunocompromised individuals, presenting with pneumonia, hepatitis, or encephalitis.

Diagnosis

Clinical Diagnosis

  • Clinical diagnosis is based on presenting symptoms and exposure history.

Laboratory tests

  • PCR for adenovirus DNA from respiratory, stool, or conjunctival swabs.
  • Viral culture (takes longer but confirms diagnosis).
  • Rapid antigen detection tests.

Imaging (for respiratory infections)

  • Chest X-ray may show interstitial infiltrates in adenoviral pneumonia.

Treatment

Supportive care

  • Antipyretics for fever.
  • Hydration for diarrhea or dehydration.
  • Symptomatic relief for conjunctivitis (e.g., saline eye drops).

Antiviral therapy

  • Considered in severe or systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients (e.g., cidofovir or brincidofovir).
  • Antibiotics only if there is a secondary bacterial infection.

Prevention

  • Frequent handwashing and good hygiene are key.
  • Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., towels, utensils).
  • Ensure adequate disinfection of surfaces.
  • Live attenuated adenovirus vaccines are available for military personnel in some countries.

Complications

Respiratory

  • Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can occur.

Gastrointestinal

  • Severe dehydration is a possible complication.

Neurological

  • Meningitis or encephalitis can occur in rare cases.

Ocular

  • Persistent keratoconjunctivitis can lead to vision issues.
  • Severe systemic disease in immunocompromised individuals, with high mortality.

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