Adenoviral infection. Adenoviral infection in adults, symptoms and treatment Diagnosis of adenoviral infection

Adenovirus infection is a disease caused by adenoviruses. As the disease develops, damage occurs to the intestines, respiratory organs, eyes and lymph nodes. Most cases of infection occur during cold periods of the year.

Adenovirus infections mainly affect children and adults with weakened immune systems.

Viral infections still remain a pressing problem, since there is no way to completely protect yourself from infection. About 90% of people experience colds at least once a year. Often, the symptoms of diseases do not cause concern for the patient, but in the absence of timely treatment, diseases caused by adenoviruses can lead to serious consequences:

• otitis media;
• bronchitis;
• sinusitis;
• other things.

Such diseases can also become chronic, after which a person’s complete recovery is unlikely.

Adenoviral infection is an anthropogenic disease. After infection, the virus begins to affect the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, intestines, and urinary system. There are more than 90 subtypes of adenoviruses, of which 49 can be considered dangerous to humans. All of them are resistant to low temperatures, so most of the diseases they cause occur during cold periods of the year.

After the virus enters the blood, it begins to multiply and infect cells, destroying their structure. In this case, the disease can manifest itself in different ways. With a latent adenovirus infection, the virus only affects lymphoid cells, but if the infection is active, then deeper cells will also be destroyed. in this case, intoxication of the patient’s body and damage to various organs will occur.

Causes of development in adults

Adenoviral infection develops when the virus penetrates the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. Also, the introduction of the organism can occur through contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes or intestines. Penetrating the epithelium, the virus begins to rapidly multiply in the cell nucleus. In this case, the cells of the lymph nodes are destroyed first. In this case, already infected cells become foci for the spread of the virus. With the blood flow, they move to other human organs, infecting them too.

Most often the first to be affected are:

• mucous membrane of the nasopharynx;
• tonsils;
• larynx;
• mucous membrane of the eye.

When the organs of the respiratory system are affected, the patient experiences swelling of the nasopharynx and tonsils, and mucus begins to be released from the nasal sinuses. If the eyes were the first to be affected, the patient notes increased lacrimation, redness of the eyes, burning and itching, and white-yellow discharge.
If left untreated, there is a high risk of the disease developing into bronchitis and pneumonia. The tissue of the kidneys, liver or spleen may also be destroyed.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Like other viral infections, adenovirus has a number of symptoms that make it quite easy to identify. The disease manifests itself classically, that is, after an incubation period during which the virus develops and grows. This usually happens within two weeks, after which the person begins to notice symptoms of the disease such as:

• heat;
• weakness;
• sore throat;

All symptoms appear gradually. But already three days after the development of the disease, a person may experience a high temperature - up to 39 degrees. It is accompanied by:

• joint pain;
• lack of appetite;
• muscle pain;
• lethargy;
• headaches;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• swelling and redness of the eyes;
• redness of the throat;
• the appearance of plaque on the back of the tongue.

If the disease is not detected in a timely manner, symptoms such as:

Adenoviral infection caused by the conjunctivitis virus is quite common. In this case, the mucous membrane of the eye becomes infected. Five days after the virus enters the cells, symptoms such as:

• swelling of the eyelids;
• hyperemia;
• sensitivity to bright light;
• increased lacrimation;
• itching in the eyes;
• pain;
• redness of the whites;
• inflammation of the blood vessels of the eyes.

If a number of the above symptoms are detected, you must immediately visit a doctor to accurately establish the diagnosis and carry out the necessary treatment. Some types of infection may have other signs of development, depending on the type of virus. Highlight:

• pharyngoconjunctival fever;
• mesenteric lymphadenitis;
• tonsillopharyngitis;
• keratoconjunctivitis;
• Qatar of the upper respiratory tract.

With fever, serious inflammation of the respiratory tract, a sharp increase in temperature to high levels and its periodic decrease are noted. This type of disease can last up to two weeks.

With lymphadenitis, a sharp increase in body temperature is also observed, but the disease is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and pain in the peritoneum.

Tonsillopharyngitis is accompanied by a sore throat, the presence of a whitish coating on the tongue and tonsils, as well as their enlargement.

With keratoconjunctivitis, not only the mucous membrane of the eye is affected, but also the cornea. The disease is accompanied by chills, headaches, and increased photosensitivity. The disease lasts the longest, unlike other forms of adenoviral infections. Treatment may take about a month.

Upper respiratory tract catarrh is one of the most common types of these infections. As the disease develops over three days, the patient's body temperature rises, drowsiness, weakness, and muscle pain appear. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are inflamed, and signs of tracheobronchitis may be observed.

It is necessary to diagnose the disease in any of its forms only by visiting a doctor and passing all the prescribed tests:

• urine;
• blood;
• immunofluorescence;
• serological research;
• virological research.

Since the cause of the disease is a virus, the doctor will be able to accurately diagnose only after receiving all the research results.

How and what to treat correctly?

Treatment of adenoviral infections is carried out at home. The patient is advised to remain in bed during the entire illness and avoid physical activity and stress. The patient should eat light food and drink plenty of fluids. If the patient’s body temperature does not exceed 38 degrees, then it should not be knocked down, but to alleviate the person’s condition, a towel moistened with cool water can be placed on his head.

If the disease is accompanied by a dry cough, then in addition to medications, you can take warm milk with honey and soda. If the cough is accompanied by sputum production, then it is worth using expectorants.

If the infection has affected the mucous membrane of the eyes, then the person should be in a room with dim light. The eyes themselves can be washed with strong tea and compresses can be made based on it.

Medicines

The use of medications to treat adenovirus infection is mandatory. First of all, antibiotics are prescribed:

• Lysobacter;
• Imudon;
• Yox;
• Hexoral;
• Stopangin.

If there is an individual intolerance to the components, the doctor may replace the required medicine with another one.

In addition to antibiotics, drugs are used to eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine can also be used in treatment.

For gastroenteritis, you can use dried blueberry compote. It will help reduce discomfort. You can take this drink in unlimited quantities.

For this type of infection, you can use a recipe such as vodka with salt. You will need a glass of vodka into which you should add a teaspoon of salt and stir. The resulting mixture should be drunk in one gulp and go to bed.

If you have a cold, you can eliminate the symptoms of the disease with warmed red wine. A glass of 200 ml is heated and drunk before bed or taken during the day (3 times) in small sips.

Using milk with onions also helps. To prepare the infusion you will need a glass of milk and one onion. Grate the onion on a fine grater and pour boiling milk over it. The resulting mixture must be infused for half an hour, and then taken hot before bed and after waking up.

Honey helps to cope with colds. Two tablespoons of this product, dissolved in warm water with lemon juice, will help soothe cough and sore throat. This drink can be used as tea and even used to rinse the nasopharynx with nasal congestion.

If the infection is represented by conjunctivitis, then grated potatoes can be applied to the affected eye. It helps relieve swelling and relieve pain and itching. To prepare the compress you will need a potato. It is rubbed on a fine grater and the resulting pulp is wrapped in gauze, squeezed out and applied to the damaged eye.

You can also use a juice compress. It is diluted with water in a concentration of 1 to 10 and used as drops. They can be used 3-4 times a day, placing one drop in each eye.

Medicinal herbs

The use of medicinal herbs and decoctions or infusions based on them is not contraindicated for adenoviral infections.

For gastroenteritis, you can take an infusion. To prepare it you will need 15 g of dried plant and 300 ml of boiling water. it should be poured over the dried inflorescences and left to infuse for 2-3 hours. The resulting infusion should be taken three times a day after meals.

If the patient develops severe diarrhea, then bileaf aspen will help cope with it. Brew a spoonful of the dried plant in a glass of boiling water and drink one tablespoon 8 times a day.

If a person exhibits cold symptoms, rinsing the mouth with infusion will help. This plant helps relieve inflammation and relieves sore throats. To prepare the infusion you will need two bags of the collection. They should be poured with a glass of hot water and left to infuse for 40 minutes. The finished product is used both for rinsing the mouth and for rinsing the nasopharynx and throat.

For conjunctivitis, you can use cornflower infusion. It is used to wash the eyes. You will need 25 g of dried flowers. They are poured with a glass of boiling water and left for half an hour. The resulting infusion is filtered and cooled, and then used 4 times a day to wash the eyes.

Any traditional medicine can be used only after consulting a doctor.

Diet for infections is usually not required, but the patient should eat a light diet and drink plenty of fluids. The optimal dish would be boiled chicken and chicken broth.

The patient should also take a course of vitamins C, B6, B1-B3, A to strengthen the immune system.

When diagnosing an adenoviral infection, the patient should strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations and not self-medicate. The only exceptions may be products that have been approved by a doctor.

You should not lower your temperature to less than 38 degrees, lead an active lifestyle and eat heavy and fatty foods. It is important to concentrate on treatment and then the disease can be cured as soon as possible.

In the absence of necessary treatment, the disease can develop with complications. They are usually presented in the form of pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis and bronchitis. Getting rid of them is much more difficult. Also, if left untreated for a long time, the virus can infect the internal organs of a person, which will lead to the development of other diseases.

Preventive measures

It is easier to prevent any disease than to cure it; for this reason, regular prevention should be carried out during periods of epidemics. Two weeks before their onset, it is recommended to take a course of vitamins to increase the body's resistance. Depending on the type of drug, the doctor will be able to tell you how often they should be used.

When visiting crowds of large numbers of people, you should lubricate your sinuses with Oxolinic ointment. It prevents the virus from entering the respiratory tract. Also, when communicating with people who are already sick, you should avoid direct contact.

It is necessary to wash your hands as often as possible, since bacteria found on any surfaces can reduce a person’s immunity and make him more susceptible to disease.

During epidemics, you should wear a gauze mask, and be sure to dress in accordance with weather conditions to avoid hypothermia.

The history of the disease began in 1953, when a group of virologists first discovered adenoviruses in humans. They were isolated from removed tonsils and adenoids in children, and later, in patients with acute respiratory viral infections and pneumonia, which was accompanied by conjunctivitis.
Experiments were carried out on animals, after which the presence of adenovirus activity was proven.

Causes of infection

The source of infection is a sick person. The virus contained in the nasal mucus, when blowing the nose, enters the environment. There is also a high probability of infection from passive virus carriers. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, that is, at the moment when air containing the virus is inhaled. The carrier can shed the virus by talking, sneezing, coughing, as well as in urine and feces.
Infection can also occur through the fecal-oral route. Then this virus is equated to intestinal infections.
Adenovirus infection usually affects children from six months of age. At an earlier age, infants develop immunity to this infection, thanks to mother's milk, which has specific antibodies that resist the disease. After six months, children's immunity decreases and they become more susceptible to adenovirus infection. Until the age of seven, they can get this disease several times. After the age of seven, acquired immunity is developed thanks to it, children rarely get sick from this infection.

The disease most often occurs in winter and spring, this is explained by the fact that at this time the body has a very weak immune system. Most outbreaks of the epidemic occur in children's groups and do not go far beyond.

How does infection enter the body?

The introduction of adenoviral infection into epithelial cells occurs through the respiratory tract during inhalation. The mucous membrane of the conjunctiva of the eyes and the intestines are also accessible places through which infection can penetrate. Invading the epithelium, it penetrates into the nucleus, where rapid multiplication of infected cells occurs. The virus also affects the lymph nodes.
Newly infected cells enter the blood, which quickly spreads the infection throughout the body.

The first victims are the mucous membrane of the nasal pharynx, larynx and tonsils. Severe swelling of the tonsils occurs, accompanied by serous sputum from the nasal sinuses. Inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs according to the same scenario. Swelling of the conjunctival mucosa occurs, tearing and a red mesh of broken blood vessels appears, a sensation of a foreign body in the eyes, burning, itching, white or yellow appearance appears, eyelashes stick together, and increased sensitivity to bright lighting.
Viruses are able to penetrate tissue, easily causing the development of bronchitis and pneumonia. The presence of the virus can have a detrimental effect on the functioning of other organs, such as the kidneys, spleen or liver.

Symptoms

Adenovirus infection has various clinical manifestations. In adults, symptoms may vary, depending on the severity of the disease.
The virus, when it enters the body, has an incubation period of up to a day, but there are also cases when the virus does not appear for up to two weeks. Symptoms in adults of adenovirus infection develop in a certain order.
The very first signs of the disease are:

• Increased body temperature
• Sore and sore throat
• Weakened state of the whole body
• Nasal congestion

After two or three days, body temperature can reach up to thirty-nine degrees. Accompanied by muscle and joint pain, poor appetite, lethargy and migraines. In extreme cases, with increased intoxication, abdominal pain, loose stools, and nausea accompanied by vomiting may occur.
The palatine tonsils swell and turn red, increase in size and protrude beyond the palatine arches. The posterior wall of the pharynx has diffuse redness. There is a white or brown coating on the tongue. Sometimes on the tongue, you can see stripes without plaque, bright red in color, and on enlarged follicles you can see a whitish overlay, which is easily scraped off during examination.

A complicated form of adenovirus infection entails bronchitis, which is accompanied by a dry cough. After some time, there may be a separation of sputum, which over time can become mucopurulent.
Adenoviral eye infection is accompanied by inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane. Infection with the conjunctivitis virus can occur on the first day after infection, as well as on the fifth day. Initially, conjunctivitis appears on the mucous membrane of one eye. A day later, the second eye is involved in the process. It manifests itself as follows:

• Swelling of the eyelids occurs
• Hyperemia and swelling of the conjunctiva
• Painful sensitivity to bright light
• Tearing
• Itching and sometimes pain in the eyes
• Redness of the whites

Thus, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract in combination with conjunctivitis are typical symptoms of adenovirus infection and with their help, this disease can be accurately diagnosed.

Types of clinical course of infection

• Pharyngoconjunctival fever. Accompanied by high fever and acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The duration of the illness can be up to two weeks. The temperature may drop and rise again.
• Tonsillopharyngitis. The oropharynx suffers. There is a sore throat, enlarged tonsils with a whitish coating
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis. Increased temperature. There is pain in the abdominal area, accompanied by vomiting.
• Qatar of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common course of the disease. The temperature lasts for three days, causing weakness, drowsiness and muscle pain. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are inflamed. There are signs of tracheobronchitis.
• Keratoconjunctivitis. This form of the disease is extremely rare. It is a simultaneous lesion of the conjunctiva and cornea. It occurs with severe chills and severe headache. Painful sensitivity to light appears. Full recovery of the patient occurs approximately a month after infection.

Adenoviral infection during pregnancy

During pregnancy, adenovirus can cause infections and complications.
Pregnancy and childbirth itself are difficult. The manifestation of infection in the first trimester can cause spontaneous miscarriage.
The fetus may experience abnormalities of various types, since the infection can penetrate the placenta. But the positive probability of the outcome is high.
Adenoviral infection during pregnancy is treated mainly with standard methods.

Treatment

Treatment of patients is carried out at home, where bed rest is prescribed, which should continue throughout the illness. All physical activity is excluded, rest must be maintained. Nutrition should be balanced. Vitamin soups, chicken broths, boiled meat and chicken with the addition of garlic chips are welcome. Drinking should be plentiful, it can be hot tea with lemon, raspberries, currants, rose hips, compotes, natural juices, jelly, or just mineral water without gases.
There is no need to reduce the temperature to 38 degrees. Since this is a manifestation of the immune system’s fight against viruses. In order to alleviate the patient's condition, you can apply a damp towel to the front of the head.
If a dry cough occurs, you can give warm boiled milk with honey or soda (on the tip of a knife) in combination with cough suppressants. For wet coughs, it is advisable to use drugs with an expectorant effect.
If the eyes are affected, the patient should be protected from bright lighting. The eyes should be washed and compresses made with strong tea leaves. Also, as prescribed by your doctor, you must use special eye drops and ointments.
A runny nose can be relieved with vasoconstrictor drops, but you must remember that their use is limited to five days. You can also wash with saline solution or furatsilin.
If standard treatment methods do not bring a positive effect, then antibiotics are prescribed for adenovirus infection.
Local antibiotics are.

Adenovirus can affect such parts of the body as the intestinal mucosa, eyes, respiratory tract, and lymph nodes. Infectious diseases of this type most often spread among children's groups, since it is children who have reduced immunity. They can also be found in adults, but much less often, and they are encountered during spring and summer.

Is an eye infection dangerous: symptoms and complications

Some call this disease an adenoid viral infection, but this is not entirely true, since there are differences in symptoms and possible complications. It is worth noting that this infection has an incubation period of 2 weeks, and the bacteria can tolerate freezing, but they can die under the influence of chlorine and ultraviolet rays.

The virus is transmitted through airborne droplets.

Adenovirus infection can occur due to almost 50 types of pathogen. Once a person has had such an infection, the body develops immunity to secondary infection. Secondary infection is possible, but only with another type of this virus. The virus is not dangerous for such a place in the body as an adenoma, and problems most often arise in the eye. But, if they are not treated in time, then such bacterial infections can cause many complications, but this is rare and only in special cases.

Complications may include:

• Otitis, which is treated with flemoxin;
• Bronchitis, which cannot be eliminated without an antibiotic;
• Sinusitis, the treatment of which requires homeopathic remedies;
• Sinusitis;
• Conjunctivitis is purulent and membranous.

In a particularly severe case, there may be kidney damage, impaired functioning of the heart muscle, or a problem with the central nervous system.

Symptoms of adenovirus infection in adults

As with any infection, adenovirus can begin to develop as soon as possible. All this is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication, as thermoregulation is impaired, headache, lethargy and drowsiness are present. What symptoms may appear with such an adenovirus infection? As a rule, the first signs may appear 3 days after infection.

This period is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Weaknesses;
• Headache;
• Rhinitis;
• Inflammation, itching and watery eyes;
• Soreness of the lymph nodes;
• Inflammation in the throat area;
• High temperature up to 39 ᵒC;
• Gastroenteritis.

A day after the first symptoms appear, the temperature rises to almost the maximum level, and against this background, a deterioration in general well-being is observed. Additionally, symptoms reminiscent of influenza and ARVI may be present.

Namely, a stuffy nose, cough, pain in the throat, and inflammation of the cavity of the soft palate.

After 7 days, conjunctivitis develops, and there may also be infiltration on the eyelids. The specificity of the manifestation of the disease directly depends on what virus has infected the body, as well as where exactly the problem develops. For example, a symptom of intoxication can be strong or, on the contrary, weak. It is worth noting that both adults and children complain the same way, but some have symptoms that are too blurred, and an accurate diagnosis can only be established through a specialist and a competent diagnosis.

Treatment of adenoviral infection in adults with medication

Medical specialists categorically prohibit treating symptoms of adenoviral infection without prior examination, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor. Basically, drug therapy is used, but there is no such special drug that can instantly eliminate this problem. Typically, treatment is aimed at removing symptoms and suppressing the activity of the virus.

Basically, doctors prefer:

• Immunostimulants;
• Antihistamines;
• Vitamin complexes;
• Antipyretic;
• Anti-diarrhea medications;
• Painkillers;
• Antitussive;
• Expectorant;
• Nasal drops.

If there is a suspicion that complications have developed or that chronic diseases have worsened, especially in the respiratory tract, then broad-spectrum antibiotics should be used. In order to cure non-purulent conjunctivitis? It is worth using eye drops, in particular deoxyribonuclease/sodium sulfate.

If purulent conjunctivitis is diagnosed, then you should choose an ointment based on Prednisolone.

Basically, a week is enough for a complete recovery, but provided that the treatment complies with the recommendations of a specialist. If the viral cells linger too much in the body, recovery can last up to 3 weeks.

Eye infection in adults: diagnosis

In order to prescribe effective treatment, you must definitely go to the doctor, who, in turn, gives a referral for tests, which will rule out the presence of another infection. Basically, standard studies are used, but it is not advisable to violate the doctor’s recommendations regarding the diagnosis.

Required:

• General blood and urine analysis;
• Virological examination to examine the mucous membranes in the nose and throat;
• PCR and adenovirus DNA analysis;
• Electron microscopy.

The doctor must draw up an overall clinical picture in order to understand what the patient’s condition is and prescribe precise treatment. Information about temperature fluctuations, the presence or absence of specific symptoms, and general condition is required.

At the first symptoms, it is advisable to record data on their brightness, what deterioration and improvement occur, and you also need to draw up a temperature chart.

Adenoviral infection is very difficult to differentiate, but without a doctor it is impossible to diagnose. There are a number of preventive measures that will help prevent the formation of adenovirus infection. As a rule, this is a whole complex through which immunity protection is increased. Personal hygiene is mandatory. It is necessary to exclude contact with those who are already infected, even if it is not an adenovirus, but simply ARVI. During the autumn-winter period, it is worth taking vitamins, eating right and not forgetting about clothes for the season. If you have chronic diseases, you need to get advice on how to prevent their exacerbation.

What is adenoviral infection in adults (video)

It is advisable to maintain proper nutrition and lifestyle, and also not to forget about sports and conditioning. It is necessary to constantly ventilate the room to prevent the accumulation of viruses and bacteria. It is necessary to avoid hypothermia, which will reduce immunity. This is the only way to maintain health for a long time to eliminate problems.

I get sick very rarely, but, as they say, aptly. The previous time I was struck down by an adenovirus infection. I hope my experience with it will help you.

Theory

Adenovirus infection– a type of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) caused by an adenovirus. To be honest, I don’t know what signs the doctor used to give me this particular diagnosis, perhaps because the main complications in my case were conjunctivitis and sore throat.

As with other acute respiratory viral infections, the mode of transmission of adenovirus is airborne.

Symptoms

The main symptoms in adults and children are conjunctivitis, sore throat, fever, weakness. Less common are runny nose (rhinitis, sinusitis), otitis media. Laryngospasm occurs in young children.

Treatment

There are many known varieties of adenovirus - 50-80. There are even more other viruses that cause similar symptoms. I don’t believe in antiviral drugs, I don’t take them and I don’t intend to. Fortunately, my doctor is of the same opinion. Moreover, these drugs are not cheap these days. For example, Groprinosin costs about 1000 rubles (300 UAH). There is no benefit from them; it’s better to buy apples with that money, I think.

I treated my throat locally - I sucked on lozenges (Strepsils, Anzibel). The discomfort went away in just two days.

As with other acute respiratory viral infections, it is very important to maintain a drinking regime. Especially if the disease occurs with an increase in temperature. I didn’t really want to eat, but I drank about four liters of water per day. This lifestyle speeds up the fight and elimination of the virus from the body.

For several days the condition was so severe that I took Nimesil, an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drug. Firstly, my temperature rose at night, and secondly, my eyes hurt badly.

Recovery

If left untreated, the patient runs the risk of complications in the form of bacterial infections - such as otitis media, sinusitis, and severe forms of conjunctivitis. Therefore, these days it is important to maintain hygiene so that the number of cases does not increase.

So, I changed all the towels every day, changed the bed linen every other day, constantly washed my hands, and minimized contact with my daughter.

As with other respiratory viral infections, improvement usually occurs within 5-7 days. This is subject to proper treatment, of course.

Unfortunately, no one is immune from viral infections of this type. It is in our power to take care of the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle, so that contact with the virus does not result in illness, and even in case of illness, recovery occurs as early as possible.

In this case, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Firstly, with conjunctivitis, it is important to assess the condition of the cornea so as not to miss possible complications. Secondly, it is important for workers to obtain sick leave so as not to infect others.

Have you encountered adenoviral infection?

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– an acute viral infectious process accompanied by damage to the respiratory tract, eyes, lymphoid tissue, and digestive tract. Signs of adenovirus infection include moderate intoxication, fever, rhinorrhea, hoarseness, cough, conjunctival hyperemia, mucous discharge from the eyes, and impaired bowel function. In addition to clinical manifestations, serological and virological research methods are used to make a diagnosis. Therapy for adenoviral infection is carried out with antiviral drugs (orally and locally), immunomodulators and immunostimulants, and symptomatic agents.

General information

Adenoviral infection is a disease from the ARVI group, caused by an adenovirus and characterized by the development of nasopharyngitis, laryngotracheobronchitis, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, and dyspeptic syndrome. In the general structure of acute respiratory diseases, adenovirus infection accounts for about 20%. Children from 6 months to 3 years demonstrate the greatest susceptibility to adenoviruses. It is believed that during preschool age, almost all children experience one or more episodes of adenovirus infection. Sporadic cases of adenoviral infection are recorded year-round; in the cold season, the incidence is in the nature of epidemic outbreaks. Close attention to adenovirus infection has been drawn from infectious diseases, pediatrics, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology.

Causes of adenovirus infection

Currently, more than 30 serovars of viruses of the Adenoviridae family are known to cause human disease. The most common causes of outbreaks of adenovirus infection in adults are serotypes 3, 4, 7, 14 and 21. Serovars types 1, 2, 5, 6 usually affect preschool children. The causative agents of pharyngoconjunctival fever and adenoviral conjunctivitis in most cases are serotypes 3, 4, 7.

Virions of the pathogen contain double-stranded DNA, have a diameter of 70-90 nm and three antigens (group-specific A-antigen; B-antigen, which determines the toxic properties of the adenovirus, and type-specific C-antigen). Adenoviruses are relatively stable in the external environment: under normal conditions they persist for 2 weeks, and tolerate low temperatures and drying well. At the same time, the causative agent of adenoviral infection is inactivated when exposed to ultraviolet rays and chlorine-containing disinfectants.

Adenoviruses are spread from sick people who shed the pathogen in nasopharyngeal mucus and feces. Hence, there are 2 main routes of infection - in the early period of the disease - airborne; in the late stage - fecal-oral - in this case the disease proceeds as an intestinal infection. A waterborne route of infection is possible, which is why adenoviral infection is often called “swimming pool disease.” The source of adenovirus infection can also be virus carriers, patients with asymptomatic and erased forms of the disease. Immunity after an infection is type-specific, so repeated diseases caused by a different serotype of the virus are possible. Nosocomial infection occurs, including during parenteral treatment procedures.

Adenovirus can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, intestines or conjunctiva. Reproduction of the virus occurs in epithelial cells, regional lymph nodes and lymphoid formations of the intestine, which coincides in time with the incubation period of adenovirus infection. After the death of the affected cells, viral particles are released and enter the blood, causing viremia. Changes develop in the lining of the nose, tonsils, posterior wall of the pharynx, conjunctiva; inflammation is accompanied by a pronounced exudative component, which causes the appearance of serous discharge from the nasal cavity and conjunctiva. Viremia can lead to involvement of the bronchi, digestive tract, kidneys, liver, and spleen in the pathological process.

Symptoms of infection

The main clinical syndromes, the form of which an adenovirus infection can take, are: catarrh of the respiratory tract (rhinopharyngitis, tonsillopharyngitis, laryngotracheobronchitis), pharyngoconjunctival fever, acute conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, diarrhea syndrome. The course of adenovirus infection can be mild, moderate or severe; uncomplicated and complicated.

The incubation period for adenovirus infection lasts 2-12 days (usually 5-7 days), followed by a manifest period with the sequential appearance of symptoms. Early signs are an increase in body temperature to 38-39 ° C and moderate symptoms of intoxication (lethargy, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain). Simultaneously with fever, catarrhal changes occur in the upper respiratory tract. Serous discharge from the nose appears, which then becomes mucopurulent; nasal breathing becomes difficult. There is moderate hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, and pinpoint whitish plaque on the tonsils. With adenovirus infection, a reaction occurs from the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes. In case of development of laryngotracheobronchitis, hoarseness of voice, dry barking cough appear, shortness of breath, and development of laryngospasm are possible.

Damage to the conjunctiva during adenoviral infection can occur as catarrhal, follicular or membranous conjunctivitis. Usually the eyes are involved in the pathological process one by one. The pain, burning, lacrimation, sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the eye are disturbing. Upon examination, moderate redness and swelling of the skin of the eyelids, hyperemia and granularity of the conjunctiva, injection of the sclera, and sometimes the presence of a dense grayish-white film on the conjunctiva are revealed. In the second week of the disease, signs of keratitis may join conjunctivitis.

If an adenovirus infection occurs in the intestinal form, paroxysmal pain occurs in the umbilical and right iliac region, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and mesenteric lymphadenitis. With severe pain, the clinical picture resembles acute appendicitis.

Fever with adenoviral infection lasts 1-2 weeks and can be wavy. Signs of rhinitis and conjunctivitis subside after 7-14 days, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract - after 14-21 days. In severe forms of the disease, parenchymal organs are affected; Meningoencephalitis may occur. Children in the first year of life often develop adenoviral pneumonia and severe respiratory failure. The complicated course of adenoviral infection is usually associated with the accumulation of a secondary infection; The most common complications of the disease are sinusitis, otitis media, and bacterial pneumonia.

Diagnostics and differential diagnostics

Recognition of adenoviral infection is usually made on the basis of clinical data: fever, catarrh of the respiratory tract, conjunctivitis, polyadenitis, and the sequential development of symptoms. Immunofluorescence reaction and immune electron microscopy are methods for rapid diagnosis of adenovirus infection. Retrospective confirmation of the etiological diagnosis is carried out using ELISA, X-ray, and RSK methods. Virological diagnosis involves isolating adenovirus from nasopharyngeal swabs, scrapings from the conjunctiva and feces of the patient, but due to its complexity and duration it is rarely used in clinical practice. (solution of deoxyribonuclease or sodium sulfacyl), applications of acyclovir in the form of ophthalmic ointment behind the eyelid, intranasal application of oxaline ointment, endonasal and endopharyngeal instillation of interferon. Symptomatic and syndromic therapy is carried out: inhalations, taking antipyretic, antitussive and expectorant drugs, vitamins. For adenoviral infections aggravated by bacterial complications, antibiotics are prescribed.

Prognosis and prevention

Uncomplicated forms of adenoviral infection end favorably. Deaths can occur in young children due to severe bacterial complications. Prevention is similar to the prevention of other acute respiratory viral infections. During periods of epidemic outbreaks, isolation of patients is indicated; carrying out ongoing disinfection, ventilation and ultraviolet radiation of premises; prescribing interferon to persons at risk of infection. Specific vaccination against adenovirus infection has not yet been developed.