Related Terms

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Background

• Adenoviruses are medium-sized (90 to 100 nanometers) viruses that contain double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA consists of two strands of a series of nucleotides shaped like a twisted ladder. This structure is referred to as a double helix, and it contains an individual's genetic code.
• Adenoviruses were first described in 1953 but were not named until 1956 when they were found to occur in the adenoids. To date, 49 distinct types of adenoviruses have been linked to human infection and more than 120 adenoviruses are known to infect mammals, birds, and reptiles. Each of these viruses produces a unique immune response. Therefore, if an individual develops immunity to one type of virus after an infection, he or she can still become infected with one of the other types. Adenoviruses are unusually stable and can survive for prolonged periods outside the body.
• Adenoviruses often cause respiratory illness but may also cause other diseases, such as gastroenteritis (an intestinal infection that may cause diarrhea), conjunctivitis (an infection of the eye surface), cystitis (a bladder infection), skin rash, and meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). The degree of infection ranges from mild to severe. For example, an adenovirus-caused respiratory infection may range from a mild cold to pneumonia. Major complications, such as pneumonia and meningitis, are more likely to occur in patients with a compromised immune system, i.e., patients with HIV/AIDS or patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer.
• Adenoviral infections are much more common in children than adults and are responsible for 10% of acute respiratory infections in children. They are also a common cause of diarrhea in this age group.
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Types of the Disease

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Risk Factors

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Causes

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Signs and Symptoms

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Diagnosis

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Complications

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Research

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Future Research

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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