ABSTRACT
Harboring a linear, double-stranded (ds) DNA genome without envelope, human adenovirus (HAdV) was first isolated from adenoid tissue in 1953 and subsequently confirmed as the cause of mostly mild, self-limiting illnesses involving respiratory, gastrointestinal, ophthalmologic, genitourinary, and neurologic systems in susceptible populations throughout the world. HAdV lytic infection takes place after viral entry and replication inside human epithelial cells. HAdVs have the ability to recognize specific receptors on the epithelial cells of the GI tract, respiratory tract, eyes, and urinary bladder, gain entry, and replicate in these cells utilizing host cellular machineries. Most HAdV patients have mild and self-limiting illnesses and recover without medical care. HAdV patients with lingering symptoms may benefit from bronchodilator medication, oral rehydration or increased fluid intake, and rest. Diagnosis of HAdV infection involves clinical evaluation, imaging, laboratory culture/viral isolation, serological assays, and molecular tests.
