adenovirus infection. Adenovirus infection in adults, symptoms and treatment Diagnosis of adenovirus infection

Adenovirus infection is a disease caused by adenoviruses. With the development of the disease, the intestines, respiratory organs, eyes and lymph nodes are affected. Most of the cases of infection occur during the cold periods of the year.

Adenovirus infections mainly affect children and immunocompromised adults.

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

otitis;
bronchitis;
sinusitis;
other.

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

Adenovirus infection is an anthropotic disease. After infection, the virus begins to infect 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 the cold periods of the year.

After the virus enters the bloodstream, 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, only lymphoid cells are affected by the virus, 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

Adenovirus infection develops when the virus enters the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. Also, the introduction of the organism can occur when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes or intestines. Penetrating into the epithelium, the virus begins to multiply rapidly in the nucleus of cells. In this case, the cells of the lymph nodes are first of all destroyed. In this case, already infected cells become foci of the spread of the virus. With the blood flow, they move to other human organs, infecting them as well.

The most commonly 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 develops swelling of the nasopharynx and tonsils, sputum begins to stand out from the sinuses. If the eyes were the first to be affected, then the patient notes increased lacrimation, redness of the eyes, burning and itching, and white-yellow discharge.
If left untreated, the risk of developing the disease to bronchitis and pneumonia is high. The tissues of the kidneys, liver, or spleen may also be destroyed.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Like other viral infections, adenovirus has a number of symptoms, according to which it is quite simple to identify it. The disease manifests itself classically, that is, after the 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:

pain in the joints;
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 was not detected in a timely manner, then symptoms such as:

Quite often there is an adenovirus infection caused by the conjunctivitis virus. When this occurs, infection of the mucous membrane of the eye. 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;
cut;
redness of proteins;
inflammation of the vessels of the eyes.

If a number of the above symptoms are detected, it is necessary to immediately visit a doctor in order 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. Allocate:

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is necessary to diagnose a disease in any of its forms only when you visit a doctor and pass all the prescribed tests:

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

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

How and what is the right way to treat?

Adenovirus infections are treated at home. The patient is advised to stay in bed during the entire time of illness, to avoid physical exertion and stress. The patient should eat light food, as well as 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 medicines, 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 subdued light. The eyes themselves can be washed with strong tea and compresses can be made on its basis.

Medicines

The use of drugs for the treatment of adenovirus infection is mandatory. First of all, antibiotics are prescribed:

Lizobakt;
Imudon;
Yoks;
Hexoral;
Stopangin.

In the presence of individual intolerance to the components, the doctor may replace the necessary 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.

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

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

With a cold, you can eliminate the symptoms of the disease with the help of heated red wine. A glass of 200 ml is heated and drunk at bedtime or taken throughout the day (3 times) in small sips.

Helps and the use of milk with onions. To prepare the infusion, you need a glass of milk and one onion. The onion is rubbed on a fine grater and poured with boiling milk. The resulting mixture must be infused for half an hour, and then taken hot before going to bed and after waking up.

Honey helps fight colds. Two tablespoons of this product, dissolved in warm water with lemon juice, will help relieve cough and sore throat. Such a drink can be used as tea and even washed with a 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 a compress, you need a potato. It is rubbed on a fine grater and the resulting slurry is wrapped in gauze, squeezed and applied to the damaged eye.

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

Medicinal herbs

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

With gastroenteritis, you can take an infusion. To prepare it, you need 15 g of dried plant and 300 ml of boiling water. she should pour dried inflorescences and leave 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 the two-leafed primrose will help to cope with it. A spoonful of the dried plant is brewed in a glass of boiling water and drunk one tablespoon 8 times a day.

If a person has symptoms of a cold, then rinsing the mouth with infusion will help. This plant helps relieve inflammation and relieves sore throats. To prepare the infusion, you will need two collection bags. 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 washing the nasopharynx and throat.

With conjunctivitis, you can use an infusion of cornflower. It is used to wash the eyes. It will take 25 g of dried flowers. They are poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted 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 light food and drink plenty of fluids. The best dish would be boiled chicken and chicken broth.

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

When diagnosing an adenovirus infection, the patient should strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor and not self-medicate. An exception can only be funds that have been approved by a doctor.

You should not bring down the temperature of 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 the necessary treatment, the disease can develop with complications. Usually they are 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

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, for this reason, regular prophylaxis should be carried out during periods of epidemics. Two weeks before their onset, it is recommended to drink 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 you should use them.

When visiting clusters of a large number of people, the nasal sinuses should be lubricated with Oxolinic ointment. It prevents the virus from entering the respiratory tract. Also, when communicating with people who are already sick, direct contact should be avoided.

Washing your hands as often as possible is essential because bacteria found on any surface can lower a person's immune system and make them more susceptible to disease.

During epidemics, you should wear a gauze mask, and be sure to dress according to 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 proved.

Causes of infection

The source of infection is a sick person. The virus contained in the nasal mucus, when you blow your 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 the air containing the virus is inhaled. A carrier can shed the virus when talking, sneezing, coughing, and in urine and feces.
Infection can also occur by the fecal-oral route. Then this virus is equated to intestinal infections.
Adenovirus infection usually affects children from the age of six months. 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 experience a decrease in immunity, and they become more susceptible to infection with adenovirus infection. Until the age of seven, they can have this disease several times. After the age of seven, acquired immunity is developed thanks to him, children rarely get sick with this infection.

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

How does the infection enter the body?

The introduction of adenovirus infection into epithelial cells occurs through the respiratory tract during inhalation. The mucous membrane of the conjunctiva of the eyes and intestines are also accessible places through which infection can penetrate. Penetrating into the epithelium, it penetrates into the nucleus, where the infected cells multiply rapidly. The virus also infects the lymph nodes.
Newly infected cells enter the bloodstream, which will rapidly spread the infection throughout the body.

The first victims are the mucosa of the nasal pharynx, larynx and tonsils. There is a strong swelling of the tonsils, accompanied by serous sputum from the sinuses. Inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs according to the same scenario. There is swelling of the conjunctival mucosa, tearing and a red mesh of bursting blood vessels appear, a sensation of a foreign body in the eyes, burning, itching, white or yellow color appears, gluing of eyelashes, increased sensitivity to bright light.
Viruses are able to penetrate the tissue, easily provoking the development of bronchitis and pneumonia. The presence of the virus can adversely affect the work of other organs, such as the kidneys, spleen or liver.

Symptoms

Adenovirus infection has various clinical manifestations. In adults, the symptoms can be different, it all depends on the severity of the course of the disease.
The virus, entering the body, is in the incubation period of up to a day, but there are also cases when the virus does not manifest itself for up to two weeks. Symptoms in adults of adenovirus infection develop in a specific order.
The very first signs of the disease are:

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

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

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

There is swelling of the eyelids
Hyperemia and swelling of the conjunctiva
Painful sensitivity to bright light
lacrimation
Itching and sometimes pain in the eyes
Redness of proteins

Thus, inflammation of the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract in combination with conjunctivitis are typical symptoms of adenovirus infection and with the help of them, 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. At the same time, the temperature can drop and rise again.
Tonsillopharyngitis. The oropharynx suffers. There is a sore throat, an increase in the tonsils with a whitish coating
mesenteric lymphadenitis. Increased temperature. There are pains in the abdominal region, accompanied by vomiting.
Catarrh 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. Occurs with severe chills and severe headache. There is painful sensitivity to light. Complete recovery of the patient comes about a month after infection.

Adenovirus infection during pregnancy

During pregnancy, adenovirus can cause infections and complications.
Pregnancy and childbirth itself is difficult. The manifestation of infection in the first trimester can cause spontaneous miscarriage.
The fetus may experience deviations of a different nature, since the infection can penetrate the placenta. But the positive probability of the outcome is high.
Adenovirus infection during pregnancy is treated mainly by 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 observed. Nutrition must be balanced. Vitamin soups, chicken broths, boiled meat and chicken are welcome, with the addition of garlic chips. 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.
Temperatures up to 38 degrees do not need to be knocked down. Since this is a manifestation of the struggle of the immune system with viruses. In order to alleviate the patient's condition, you can apply a damp towel on the frontal part of the head.
If a dry cough appears, then you can give warm boiled milk with honey or soda (on the tip of a knife) in combination with cough suppressing drugs. With a wet cough, it is advisable to use drugs with an expectorant effect.
If the eyes are affected, the patient should be protected from bright light. Eyes should be washed and compresses should be made from strong tea leaves. Also, according to the doctor's prescription, it is necessary to use special eye drops and ointments.
A runny nose can be relieved with vasoconstrictor drops, but it must be remembered that their use is limited to five days. You can also do flushing with saline or furacilin.
If standard methods of treatment do not bring a positive effect, then antibiotics are prescribed for adenovirus infection.
They are local antibiotics.

The defeat of adenovirus can be such parts of the body as the intestinal mucosa, eyes, respiratory tract, lymph nodes. Infectious diseases of this type are most often spread among children's groups, since it is the kids who have reduced immunity. They can also be found in adults, but much less often, and they are encountered during the 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, as there is a difference 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 the airborne route.

Adenovirus infection can occur due to almost 50 varieties of the pathogen. As soon as 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 terrible for such a place in the body as an adenoma, and eye problems most often occur. But, if they are not treated in time, then such bacterial infections can bring many complications, but this is rare and only in special cases.

In the form of complications, it can be:

Otitis, which is treated with flemoxin;
Bronchitis, which cannot be eliminated without an antibiotic;
Sinusitis, for the treatment of which homeopathic remedies are needed;
sinusitis;
Conjunctivitis of purulent and membranous appearance.

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

Symptoms of adenovirus infection in adults

As with any infection, adenovirus can begin its development as soon as possible. All this is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication, as thermoregulation is disturbed, there is a headache, lethargy and drowsiness. What symptoms can occur with such an adenovirus infection? As a rule, the first signs can appear on the 3rd day after infection.

This period is accompanied by symptoms in the form of:

Weaknesses;
Headache;
rhinitis;
Inflammation, itching and tearing from the eyes;
Soreness of the lymph nodes;
Inflammation in the throat;
High temperature up to 39 ᵒС;
Gastroenteritis.

A day after the onset of the first symptoms, the temperature rises to almost the maximum level, and against this background, a deterioration in general well-being is observed. Additionally, there may be signs resembling influenza and SARS.

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

After 7 days, conjunctivitis develops, and there may also be an infiltrate on the eyelids. What will be the specifics of the manifestation of the disease directly depends on which virus has affected the body, and also where exactly the problem develops. For example, a symptom of intoxication can be strong or vice versa weak. It is worth noting that both adults and children complain the same way, but for some, the symptoms are too lubricated, and an accurate diagnosis can only be established through a specialist and a well-conducted diagnosis.

Treatment of adenovirus infection in adults with medication

Specialists from the field of medicine categorically prohibit the treatment of symptoms of adenovirus infection, without prior examination, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor. Basically, it is drug therapy that is used, but there is no such special drug that can instantly eliminate this problem. As a rule, treatment is aimed at removing the symptoms and suppressing the activity of the virus.

Basically, doctors prefer:

Immunostimulants;
Antihistamines;
Vitamin complexes;
antipyretic;
Remedies for diarrhea;
Painkillers;
Antitussive;
expectorant;
Nasal drops.

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

If purulent conjunctivitis is diagnosed, then an ointment based on Prednisolone should be chosen.

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

Eye infection in adults: diagnosis

In order to prescribe an 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 analysis of blood and urine;
Virological examination to examine the mucous membrane in the nose and throat;
Analysis of PCR and adenovirus DNA;
electron microscopy.

The doctor must make an overall clinical picture in order to understand what the patient's condition is and prescribe the exact treatment. Be sure to need information about temperature fluctuations, about whether or not there are specific symptoms, general condition.

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

Adenovirus 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. Be sure to observe personal hygiene. It is necessary to exclude contact with those who are already infected, even if it is not adenovirus, but simply SARS. In the period of autumn-winter, it is worth drinking vitamins, eating right and not forgetting about clothes for the season. If there are chronic diseases, then you need to consult on how to prevent their exacerbation.

What is adenovirus infection in adults (video)

It is advisable to lead a proper diet and lifestyle, and also do not forget about sports and hardening. It is necessary to constantly ventilate the room to exclude the accumulation of viruses and bacteria. It is necessary to avoid hypothermia, which will reduce immunity. Only in this way it is possible to maintain health for a long time in order to eliminate problems.

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

Theory

adenovirus infection A type of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) caused by an adenovirus. To be honest, I do not know on what grounds the doctor gave me such a diagnosis, perhaps due to the fact that the main complications in my case were conjunctivitis and sore throat.

As with the rest of SARS, the route of transmission of adenovirus is airborne.

Symptoms

The main symptoms in adults and children are conjunctivitis, sore throat, fever, weakness. Runny nose (rhinitis, sinusitis), otitis media are less common. Young children have laryngospasm.

Treatment

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

I treated my throat locally - I sucked up lollipops (Strepsils, Anzibel). Unpleasant sensations have passed literally in two days.

As with other SARS, it is very important to observe the drinking regimen. Especially if the disease proceeds 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. Firstly, my temperature rose at night, and secondly, my eyes hurt a lot.

Recovery

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

So, I changed all the towels every day, changed bedding 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 end with the disease, and even in case of illness, recovery occurs as soon as possible.

A visit to the doctor in this case is necessary. First, with conjunctivitis, it is important to assess the condition of the cornea so as not to miss possible complications. Secondly, it is important for employees to get sick leave so as not to infect others.

Have you experienced adenovirus infection?

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- an acute viral infectious process, accompanied by damage to the respiratory tract, eyes, lymphoid tissue, digestive tract. Signs of adenovirus infection are 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 in the diagnosis. Therapy of adenovirus infection is carried out with antiviral drugs (orally and locally), immunomodulators and immunostimulants, symptomatic agents.

General information

Adenovirus infection is a disease from the ARVI group, caused by adenovirus and characterized by the development of nasopharyngitis, laryngotracheobronchitis, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, dyspeptic syndrome. In the general structure of acute respiratory diseases, adenovirus infection is about 20%. The greatest susceptibility to adenoviruses is shown by children from 6 months to 3 years. Nearly all children are believed to have one or more episodes of adenovirus infection during preschool years. Sporadic cases of adenovirus infection are recorded year-round; in the cold season, the incidence is in the nature of epidemic outbreaks. Close attention to adenovirus infection is riveted on the part of infectious diseases, pediatrics, otolaryngology, 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 cause 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 adenovirus conjunctivitis in most cases are serotypes 3, 4, 7.

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

Adenoviruses are spread from sick people who excrete the pathogen with nasopharyngeal mucus and feces. From here there are 2 main ways of infection - in the early period of the disease - airborne; in the late - fecal-oral - in this case, the disease proceeds as intestinal infections. A water route of infection is possible, which is why adenovirus infection is often referred to as "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, therefore, 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. The 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, the viral particles are released and enter the bloodstream, causing viremia. Changes develop in the lining of the nose, tonsils, posterior pharyngeal wall, 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 in the pathological process of the bronchi, digestive tract, kidneys, liver, spleen.

Symptoms of infection

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

The incubation period for adenovirus infection lasts 2-12 days (usually 5-7 days), followed by a manifest period with a consistent onset 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 is difficult. There is a moderate hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, a whitish spot on the tonsils. With adenovirus infection, a reaction occurs from the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes. In the case of the development of laryngotracheobronchitis, hoarseness of voice, dry barking cough, shortness of breath, development of laryngospasm are possible.

The defeat of the conjunctiva during adenovirus infection can proceed as catarrhal, follicular or membranous conjunctivitis. Usually, the eyes are involved alternately in the pathological process. Worried about pain, burning, tearing, feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye. On 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 the conjunctivitis.

If adenovirus infection proceeds in the intestinal form, there are paroxysmal pains in the umbilical and right iliac region, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, mesenteric lymphadenitis. With severe pain syndrome, the clinic resembles acute appendicitis.

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

Diagnostics and differential diagnostics

Recognition of adenovirus infection is usually made on the basis of clinical findings: fever, respiratory catarrh, conjunctivitis, polyadenitis, consistent development of symptoms. Methods for rapid diagnosis of adenovirus infection are the reaction of immunofluorescence and immune electron microscopy. Retrospective confirmation of the etiological diagnosis is carried out by the methods of ELISA, RTGA, RSK. Virological diagnosis involves the isolation of adenovirus from nasopharyngeal swabs, scrapings from the conjunctiva and feces of the patient, however, due to the complexity and duration, it is rarely used in clinical practice. (a solution of deoxyribonuclease or sodium sulfacyl), applications of acyclovir in the form of an eye ointment for the eyelid, intranasal use of oxalin ointment, endonasal and endopharyngeal instillation of interferon. Symptomatic and syndromic therapy is carried out: inhalations, taking antipyretic, antitussive and expectorant drugs, vitamins. With an adenovirus infection aggravated by bacterial complications, antibiotics are prescribed.

Forecast and prevention

Uncomplicated forms of adenovirus infection end favorably. Deaths can occur in young children due to the occurrence of severe bacterial complications. Prevention is similar to that of other SARS. During periods of epidemic outbreaks, isolation of patients is indicated; carrying out current disinfection, ventilation and UVR of premises; prescribing interferon to persons at risk of infection. Specific vaccination against adenovirus infection has not yet been developed.