Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that are an important cause of febrile illnesses in young children. They are most frequently associated with upper respiratory tract syndromes, such as pharyngitis or coryza, but can also cause pneumonia. Less commonly, adenoviruses cause gastrointestinal, ophthalmologic, genitourinary, and neurologic diseases. Most adenoviral diseases are self-limiting, although fatal infections can occur in immunocompromised hosts and occasionally in healthy children and adults.
Over 60 human adenovirus serotypes have been described, and certain serotypes are associated with distinct clinical manifestations, reflecting preferential infection of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts and conjunctiva. The clinical manifestations of adenoviral disease vary according to the age and immunocompetence of the host. Severe disease has been associated with serotypes 7, 5, 21 and more recently, serotype 14. If requested, positive samples can be referred to ESR for typing.
Microbiology - Virology
DADE
Respiratory samples are tested for Adenovirus on the Respiratory Multiplex PCR Panel (Registration code: IRNA); Faecal samples are tested for Adenovirus on the Faecal PCR Virus Screen (Registration code: FPCR)
Adenovirus PCR-eye swabs
Adeonovirus PCR- urine
7 days
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