What is Adenovirus?
Adenoviruses are particularly known for causing respiratory illnesses. Adenovirus infection may also cause a wide array of other conditions to occur, spanning from conjunctivitis to gastroenteritis by infecting the linings of your eyes, airways and lungs, intestines, urinary tract and nervous system. They are resilient viruses that can survive for a long time on surfaces and frequently cause disease outbreaks in settings where lots of people are in close contact, like schools and daycares. Knowledge of the Adenovirus facts may help the public to prevent, diagnose and treat the infection and also help the researchers to make use of this virus.
Interesting Facts about Adenovirus You Must Know
- They were first isolated in 1953 and they were named after the adenoid tissue from which they were first isolated.
- Adenoviruses belong to the family Adenoviridae. Human adenoviruses are categorized into seven species (A-G). There are over 100 serotypes. Adenoviruses can cause illness in individuals of any age throughout the year.
- Enteric adenoviruses are a leading cause of gastroenteritis among children after rotavirus and noroviruses.
- One of the most surprising facts is they might be used in the development of adenovirus-based vaccines against diseases such as COVID-19.
- One of the remarkable Adenovirus facts is that they are stable in the environment. On surfaces and in water, adenoviruses can persist for a very long time and are hence frequent causes of outbreaks in unhygienic environments.
- Recent researches also show that five serotypes of human adenovirus Ad5, Ad9, Ad31, Ad36 and Ad37 and a non-human adenovirus known as SMAM1 are found to cause adiposity.
- Oral adenovirus Type 4 and Type 7 Vaccines are licensed only for use in military troops to avoid the risk of developing ARDS – Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. One of the most important Adenovirus facts is their ability to cause a wide range of illnesses, from mild colds to severe respiratory infections
- One of the most interesting fact is that due to the ability of the virus to insert its genetic material into cells, it can be used in gene therapy.
Adenovirus Infection Causes
Adenovirus infections occur when the virus enters the body through mucous membranes, such as those in the nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can spread through
- close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- the air by coughing and sneezing
- touching an object or surface with adenoviruses on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands. Individuals must follow this as a prevention measure as this is one of the proven Adenovirus facts.
- contact with stool, for example, during diaper changing
Adenovirus Symptoms
- Respiratory Illness: Sore throat (pharyngitis), pneumonia, cough, fever and runny nose similar to a common cold or flu.
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, which causes irritation, redness of the eyes and a resultant discharge in the eyes.
- Gastroenteritis: This causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Bladder Infections: Particularly in children, adenoviruses are the cause of bladder infections and cause such problems as painful urination and blood in the urine.
- Neurological Disease: Adenovirus rarely can cause neurological symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Adenovirus Prevention and Control Measures
Healthcare professionals are updated with Adenovirus facts to prevent and control outbreaks, especially in healthcare settings.
Essential preventive measures against adenovirus infections include the following:
- Hand Hygiene: Frequent washing of hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds is very essential after touching anything that may be contaminated.
- Surface Disinfection: Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces should be performed to help reduce the transmission risk in group settings. EPA-registered disinfectants with adenovirus virucidal activity are recommended for use.
- Avoiding Touching the Face: Not touching the face unnecessarily will enable the body to reduce the entry of the virus through the eyes, nose or mouth.
- Social Distancing: Distance yourself from infected people. It can help minimize the spread of the virus. Understanding social distancing and other important Adenovirus facts is crucial for saving lives.
Uses of Adenovirus at MIS Lab
Adenoviruses are used as the test organism in assessing the virucidal activity of products and formulations. MIS uses adenoviruses to assess claims made by products, which state they will kill/deactivate this type of virus on surfaces.
The key test methods followed include:
- ISO 18184 and JIS L1922: These assays evaluate antiviral activity on textiles.
- ISO 21702: Measures antiviral activity on plastics.
- ASTM E1053: Assessing antiviral activity of chemicals used in disinfection of non-porous, inanimate environmental surfaces.
- ASTM E1838: Evaluation of antiviral efficacy of hygienic handwash and handrub agent.
Among the important Adenovirus facts are that these viruses are used in such tests that are important for ensuring that the products meet efficacy standards thus providing reliable and safe solutions across various industries.
Looking for more information about our testing services using adenoviruses or have a question about testing your product? Please see our website or contact our expert team at Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS). We will work with you to ensure that your products are both effective and safe for public use.
FAQs
What is Adenovirus?
Adenovirus is a group of common viruses that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal and eye infections.
How long is adenovirus contagious?
The Adenovirus facts state that the virus is contagious. Adenovirus can be contagious for up to 2 weeks after symptoms appear.
How contagious is adenovirus?
Adenovirus infection is moderately contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces and fecal-oral transmission.
How to stop adenovirus infection?
It can be done by washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with infected people.
How long does adenovirus live on surfaces?
Adenovirus lives on surfaces for several hours to days.
How is adenovirus transmitted?
The knowledge of virus transmission is detailed in Adenovirus facts. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, through respiratory droplets and the fecal-oral route.
What does adenovirus do to humans?
Adenovirus can cause symptoms ranging from mild respiratory infections to gastrointestinal disturbances and conjunctivitis in humans.
How do you get adenovirus?
Adenovirus infection can be contracted through close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or ingesting contaminated food or water.
When is adenovirus no longer contagious?
According to Adenovirus facts, the virus is no longer contagious once symptoms resolve, usually around 2 weeks after onset.
