Adenoviruses are non-enveloped DNA viruses.

Adenovirus is a cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants, young children, the elderly and immuno-compromised patients. The Adenovirus serotypes most frequently associated with gastroenteritis are Adenovirus 40 and 41.

Adenovirus gastroenteritis generally causes watery diarrhea lasting one to two weeks.

Symptoms:

Usual symptoms include onset of fever and vomiting followed by diarrhea and abdominal pain with occasional respiratory symptoms.

How does infection occur?

Asymptomatic carriage may occur in children who may shed the virus. Adenoviral infection occurs throughout the year and primarily affects children four years of age and younger. Route of infection is via fecal-oral route or aerosol droplets from respiratory infection.

Prevention:

Prevent spread of virus by cleaning environs with 1:5 bleach dilution or ultraviolet light (serotype F40). The scientific literature does not currently support any specific herbal or nutritional antiviral therapies for this virus type. Small studies indicate that zinc may reduce severity of illness. Oral rehydration therapy and symptomatic treatment is indicated.