Adenoviruses are common sources of viral infections that spread in the autumn-winter period. Adenovirus infection, unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, affects not only the respiratory tract, but also the cornea and internal organs. Therefore, diseases caused by adenoviruses require special attention and careful treatment.

What is adenovirus infection (adenovirus)?

Adenovirus infection is an infectious disease caused by DNA-containing viruses belonging to the Adenovirus family. The disease is accompanied by acute catarrhal symptoms, severe intoxication and manifestations of conjunctivitis.

More than a hundred types of adenoviruses have been discovered, half of which are capable of causing infection in humans. They are divided into 7 groups, including different serotypes. Each serotype is capable of causing certain types of diseases.

The most common forms:

1. Respiratory infections (, bronchiolitis, pneumonia) are caused mainly by serotypes of viruses 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. They are as common as .
2. Pharyngoconjunctival fever is caused by virus serotypes 3, 4 and 7.
3. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is most often caused by virus serotypes 8,19 and 37.
4. Acute hemorrhagic cystitis is provoked by adenoviruses serotypes 11 and 21.
5. Gastroenteritis mainly develops when infected with serotypes 40 and 41. Like enteroviruses, it often affects children attending preschool institutions.

Adenoviruses are very contagious and spread quickly within a group. Adenovirus infection is less common in adults than in children. Most often, an adult patient becomes infected from his child, who brought the infection from kindergarten or school.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The causative agent of adenovirus infection is a virus that was first isolated from hypertrophied lymphoid tissues located in the nasopharynx in children. The adenovirus is covered with a protein shell that facilitates attachment to cell membranes and the introduction of viral DNA into cells. The capsid shell protects viruses from mechanical and chemical damage. This makes viral particles highly resistant to temperature changes and the effects of most disinfectants.

There are two ways of transmission of infection:

• airborne;
• fecal-oral.

Penetrating into the lymph, viruses penetrate to the lymph nodes, causing peripheral lymphadenopathy, and less commonly, mesadenitis. When viruses spread throughout the body, viremia develops, causing severe intoxication and damage to internal organs.

Classification of adenovirus infection

Adenovirus infection is classified according to diseases that develop under the influence of the pathogen.

According to ICD-10, it is customary to distinguish the following types of disease:

1. A08.2 - Adenoviral enteritis;
2. A85.1 - Adenoviral encephalitis (G05.1);
3. A87.1 - Adenoviral meningitis (G02.0);
4. B30.0 - Keratoconjunctivitis caused by adenovirus (H19.2);
5. B30.1 - Conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus (H13.1);
6. B34.0- Adenoviral infection, unspecified;
7. J12.0- Adenoviral pneumonia.

The infection can proceed atypically - erased or latent. The erased form is typical for people who have recently recovered from illness, in whose blood antibodies to the virus still circulate. The latent form is characterized by the absence of symptoms - the disease can be diagnosed using a four-fold blood test.

Based on the severity of clinical manifestations, three degrees are distinguished:

1. Mild - mild or absent intoxication, body temperature up to 38.5 ° C, damage to the upper respiratory tract or inflammation of the conjunctiva is expressed.
2. Moderate-severe - hyperthermia within 39-39.5 ° C, intoxication is manifested by weakness, lack of appetite, drowsiness, and rarely - nausea.
3. Severe – temperature above 39.5°C, severe intoxication. Anorexia, muscle weakness, lethargy, and convulsions are often observed. More often occurs in children with viral pneumonia or film conjunctivitis.

Adenovirus infection is divided into smooth and non-smooth in nature. An unsmooth course is characterized by the development of complications, the addition of a secondary – often bacterial – infection, and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Incubation period of adenoviral infection

The incubation period of adenovirus infection ranges from 4 days to 2 weeks. Most often, a week passes from the moment of infection - this time is enough for viruses to spread through the respiratory system.

Adenoviral infection in children has a shorter incubation period. In a frequently ill child with a weakened immune system, the disease may develop as early as 2-3 days. The virus also multiplies quickly in older people with chronic diseases. They and young children are at risk of infection and complications.

Symptoms of adenovirus in adults

Symptoms of adenovirus in adults depend on which types of adenovirus are involved in the disease.

But we can identify general signs characteristic of most manifestations of the disease:

• hyperthermia;
• fever, chills;
• prolonged cough;
• inflammation and swelling of the nasopharynx;
• conjunctivitis;
• copious nasal discharge;
• difficulty breathing;
• compaction of peripheral lymph nodes.

Initially, the adenovirus affects only the mucous membrane of the nose and larynx, then the infection descends below, causing pharyngotracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The disease is accompanied by a painful dry cough, which turns into a productive cough after a few days. With bronchitis and pneumonia, severe symptoms of intoxication, headaches and shortness of breath appear.

With conjunctivitis, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eyes is observed. There is a constant feeling of a foreign body in the eyes, pain, tearing, increased sensitivity to light. The cornea becomes covered with whitish, merging dots, which leads to blurred vision.

If adenoviruses cause enteritis, loose stools appear, accompanied by general malaise. In the first days of the disease, stool becomes frequent – ​​up to 6-10 times a day; gradually, upon recovery, the frequency and consistency of stool returns to normal.

Symptoms of adenovirus infection in adults with mesadenitis are characterized by paroxysmal pain in the abdominal area. Accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. Mesadenitis is often combined with catarrhal symptoms of respiratory tract damage.

With timely and high-quality treatment of diseases caused by adenovirus infection, recovery occurs in 7-10 days. If complications arise, the disease drags on for 2-3 weeks.

Symptoms of adenovirus in children

Symptoms of adenovirus infection in children are more pronounced than in adults. Severe intoxication leads to the fact that the child becomes lethargic, capricious, and suffers from headaches. Due to lack of appetite, severe weakness appears and anorexia may develop.

With ARVI caused by adenoviruses, children develop severe sore throat, sore throat, and dry barking cough. The nasopharyngeal tonsils swell, increase in size and extend beyond the palatine arches. Acute adenoiditis is often diagnosed in children against the background of infection.

Nasal congestion is accompanied by serous discharge, which after a few days becomes mucopurulent. Due to impaired breathing, the child begins to sleep poorly, becomes pale, and a constantly open mouth leads to dryness of the mucous membrane of the throat and increased soreness.

Adenoviral pneumonia most often affects children in the first year of life, causing severe cough, shortness of breath, and high fever. The same symptoms of adenovirus in children are observed if a secondary bacterial infection occurs, against which bronchitis or secondary pneumonia develops.

Often adenovirus in children causes gastroenterocolitis and the following symptoms:

• intoxication – headaches, fever, weakness;
• bloating, increased gas formation;
• complete loss of appetite;
• feeling of nausea, vomiting;
• frequent diarrhea with streaks of mucus or blood in the stool;
• sharp pain in the navel area;
• dehydration;
• weight loss;
• belching, bitterness in the mouth, heartburn.

Attention! A child with an adenovirus infection has a characteristic appearance: a constantly open mouth, heavy breathing, pale skin, with the exception of the area around the eyes - the eyelids swell and redden, and the palpebral fissures narrow.

When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, severe pain, burning, increased lacrimation, and decreased visual acuity appear in the child's eyes. With keratoconjunctivitis, a yellow or gray infiltrate forms; at the site of its formation, the cornea becomes pale and rough. When a bacterial infection occurs, purulent masses are released from the eyes, which stick together the eyelashes after sleep.

Temperature

Temperature with adenovirus infection appears on the first or second day after the first symptoms of the disease appear. In weakened children, high body temperature is often the first sign of illness - the child suddenly becomes hot in the evening, and in the morning more obvious symptoms of adenovirus infection appear - cough, runny nose, severe weakness.

Adenoviruses are not characterized by a prolonged increase in temperature. Usually the high temperature lasts for 2-3 days, then for the next 2-3 days it stays within the subfebrile range. Adenovirus rarely causes high fever in adults - most suffer the infection with a temperature no higher than 37.5 °C.
Diagnostics

The diagnosis of “adenoviral infection” is established based on a medical history, interview with the patient and assessment of the epidemiological situation. Sometimes diagnosis is difficult, since some manifestations may be absent or, conversely, predominant, therefore laboratory tests are required for an accurate diagnosis:

1. Complete blood count to determine the level of leukocytosis.
2. Biochemical blood test to identify complications.
3. Sputum examination reveals the pathogen and its sensitivity to drugs.
4. Enzyme immunoassay determines the level of antibodies to adenovirus.
5. Immunofluorescence more accurately identifies specific antibodies.
6. PCR testing detects viral DNA in the patient’s smear and blood.

The signs of an adenovirus are very similar to many, and with an adenovirus infection, the first symptoms are so similar that a correct diagnosis can be made with the help of a comprehensive examination.

Treatment of adenovirus infection in children and adults

Treatment of adenovirus infection is based on general methods inherent in all viral diseases. Regardless of the patient’s age, frequent, abundant fluids are required to help remove toxins and replenish missing fluids. It is especially important to observe the drinking regime for patients with intestinal inflammation.

Recovery is promoted by:

• fresh air in the patient's room;
• air humidification;
• complete rest, no physical activity;
• taking vitamin C.

For adenovirus, treatment begins with taking antiviral and immunostimulating drugs, which are individually selected by a general practitioner, pediatrician, ENT specialist or infectious disease specialist.

Treatment of adenovirus infection in adults includes Isoprinosine, Antigrippin,. To make you feel better, drugs with a combined action that relieve symptoms are prescribed: Theraflu, Rinzu, Koldakt.

Treatment of adenovirus in children is based on taking safer drugs. Children are prescribed: Aflubin, Grippferon, Antigrippin Agri. Rinsing and cleansing the nose is definitely recommended, especially for children who do not yet know how to blow their nose correctly.

How to treat adenovirus to improve your well-being?

1. Antipyretic drugs: , Mig.
2. Vasoconstrictor drops: Nazivin, Ximelin, Rinonorm.
3. Sprays in the throat: Miramistin, Ingalipt.
4. Lozenges: Lizobakt, Strepsils, Agisept.
5. Antihistamines: Loratadine, Fenkarol, .

If an adenovirus in children or adults provokes intestinal inflammation, the doctor prescribes enterosorbents - Smecta, Activated Carbon, Polysorb. To prevent dehydration, you must take Regidron until symptoms disappear.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva is treated with topical antiviral agents. Regardless of age, the following are prescribed: Oftalmoferon, Oftan, Actipol, Florenal, Bonafton. To prevent the addition of a bacterial infection, it is recommended to wash the eyes with a solution of Furacilin or drip drops containing an antibiotic - Tsipromed, Sulfacyl sodium.

Attention! An internal antibiotic is prescribed by a doctor if a bacterial infection occurs that threatens the development of complications.

Folk remedies

Non-traditional remedies for adenovirus infection are indicated to accelerate the elimination of toxins and strengthen the body's defenses.

What means can be used?

1. Take 2 tbsp per glass of water. spoons of chopped turnips, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After an hour, strain and add a glass of boiled water. Drink half a glass 4 times a day.
2. Boil 1 cup of oats in a liter of milk for an hour over low heat. Strain the mixture and add honey to taste. Drink in small sips throughout the day.
3. Drink warm milk with added butter and soda. You can alternate with a mixture of heated milk and alkaline mineral water.

Prevention of adenovirus infection

Prevention of infection with adenoviruses is based on strengthening the immune system - hardening, taking vitamins and immune-strengthening drugs - tinctures of Eleutherococcus, Echinacea, Schisandra.

What else can you do?

1. Wash your hands, handle vegetables and fruits.
2. Do not visit pools with insufficient chlorine.
3. Do not visit public places in the midst of epidemics.
4. Do not contact people with adenovirus symptoms.

If one of the family members is sick, it is necessary that he use personal hygiene items and utensils, which must be regularly treated with disinfectants. It is especially important to treat children's toys, since a large number of viral particles accumulate on them.

Complications

If there is no adequate treatment or the patient’s body is weakened by chronic diseases, then adenovirus can cause various complications:

1. Laryngeal stenosis.
2. Bronchitis, pneumonia.
3. Necrosis of the bronchial walls.
4. Viral pneumonia.
5. Toxic shock.
6. Neurointoxication.

With severe viremia, internal organs are affected - liver, kidneys, spleen. The development of purulent adenomas or hemorrhagic cystitis is possible. Patients with chronic diseases may develop respiratory or heart failure, with all the ensuing consequences. To avoid such complications, it is necessary to start treatment from the first days of the disease.

Informative video

Adenoviral infection is an infectious disease belonging to the ARVI group. Affects the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, eyes and digestive tract. Almost a quarter of people who are diagnosed with ARVI have an illness caused by adenoviruses. Adenoviral infection can affect both individual individuals and be of an epidemiological nature.

Adenoviral infection in adults and children is transmitted in several ways:

• through the air;
• the virus enters directly into the gastrointestinal tract;
• infection often occurs in the aquatic environment;
• very rarely it can be transmitted through objects touched by the patient.

After infection, a person will be dangerous to other people for one to two weeks, since it is during this period that the disease is transmitted through the air. In some cases, the disease can progress up to one month. With excrement, active viruses can be released from the patient’s body for 1.5 months.

As a rule, the virus lives in the human body for two weeks. It is very stable in the external environment. For example, at a temperature of less than five degrees it can last about two years. Completely ceases to exist under prolonged exposure to active sunlight.

Most often, adenoviral infection in children occurs in newly formed groups in kindergarten or junior school. A person who has had the disease is immune to the infection, but only of the type that he had.

Etiology

The main reason for the progression of the disease is the pathogenic activity of adenoviruses. Today there are more than 30 varieties. All of them pose a serious threat to the human body.

When entering the body through the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, conjunctiva or intestines, bacterial agents provoke the development of an inflammatory process. In these elements of the human body, adenoviruses gradually develop, and after the affected cells die, they are released and rush into the bloodstream. With the bloodstream, bacterial agents spread throughout the body and can affect:

• bronchi;
• organs of the digestive tract;
• kidneys;
• liver;
• spleen.

The carrier of bacterial agents is a sick person who releases the virus into the environment throughout the entire period of illness. The virus can be released not only during the act of breathing or in the process of excrement. Often, pathogenic bacteria are released through tears. It is important to know that after a person has had one type of adenovirus infection, he has the opportunity to become infected with another type of virus.

Symptoms

The adaptation period of the virus begins as soon as it enters the human body. As a rule, this period lasts from one to thirteen days. During this period of time, several pathological processes are observed simultaneously:

• attachment of pathogenic microorganisms to healthy cells;
• introduction of bacteria into cells;
• the infected bacterium replaces the affected cell, causing it to die.

After the initial infection of the cell, the virus spreads throughout the body. This period takes from ten to fifteen days.

The order of organs that the virus affects:

• nose and tonsils;
• pharynx, trachea, bronchi;
• conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye;
• intestinal mucosa.

Sequential infection entails a sequence of symptoms. Stages of manifestation of symptoms of adenoviral infection in children and adults:

• elementary. The severity of symptoms depends on the state of the immune system (can be acute or offensive). The first symptoms: chills, mild headache, general body aches. In a few days the temperature may rise by several degrees. The nose is stuffy, the tonsils are slightly inflamed;
• second stage- the virus affects the pharynx, trachea and bronchi. Appears, the patient himself notes hoarseness or loss of voice. Later, this clinic is supplemented by the following manifestations: dry cough, wheezing when inhaling and exhaling, shortness of breath;
• at the third stage the mucous membrane of the eyes is affected, which entails pain and pain in the eyes, copious discharge of fluid from them, hyperemia and swelling;
• last stage- The virus affects the intestinal mucosa. In this case, pain in the navel area and in the right lower abdomen can easily be confused with. In this case, you need to urgently consult a doctor (in acute forms, hospitalization is indicated).

Complications

Adenovirus infection causes complications only in some cases (their manifestation is purely individual). More often, complications occur against the background of an overly weakened immune system.

Complications in adults and children may include:

• adenoviral pneumonia. In children it appears suddenly, in adults - four days after the onset of the disease. The weakness of the body increases, cough and temperature increase;
• . Inflammation of one ear or bilateral damage to the hearing aid is a common complication in many diseases from the group;
• disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. But this complication makes itself felt only after a severe form of adenoviral infection;

Diagnostics

It is impossible to diagnose an adenovirus infection on your own, without the intervention of doctors. Diagnosis should take place over several days, when one examination replaces another, which gives the doctor the opportunity to observe the full picture of inflammation (dynamics).

Additional diagnostic methods:

• immunofluorescence;
• taking a smear from the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• results of laboratory tests of stool tests.

Since the virus also affects other internal organs of a person, consultations with an ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist, ultrasound of organs, as well as CT and MRI may be necessary.

Treatment

In the initial form of adenoviral infection, drug treatment is not prescribed. In case of severe disease, antiviral pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed. Only a doctor prescribes them and calculates the dosage, depending on the age and immunity of the patient. Antibiotics are used only for re-infection with adenovirus infection.

As a separate symptom, a runny nose is treated by rinsing with a weak warm saline solution, and regular nasal drops (vasoconstrictors) are used to relieve swelling. For bronchitis due to adenovirus infection, inhalations and expectorants are used against cough.

In case of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, compresses are applied to the eyelid using eye ointments. If an adenovirus infection occurs in this way, any actions should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, who, if necessary, will prescribe additional treatments for the eyes (drops, rinses, etc.). This is necessary, since without a competent approach, even such an outcome is possible that a person will gradually lose visual function.

Prevention

For children, prevention consists of increasing the reactivity of their immune system and preventing hypothermia. Such measures regarding children, of course, should be taken by adults.

For adults and children, there are general precautions that will help protect against adenovirus infection:

• avoid contact with an infected person;
• ventilate the room as often as possible;
• try not to get too cold or overheat;
• keep the house clean, regularly carry out wet and dry cleaning;
• monitor personal hygiene of hands and face;
• strengthen the immune system through exercise and vitamin complexes;
• During the warm season of the year, spend a lot of time outdoors and get enough vitamin D.

Is everything in the article correct from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge

Diseases with similar symptoms:

Pneumonia (officially pneumonia) is an inflammatory process in one or both respiratory organs, which is usually of an infectious nature and is caused by various viruses, bacteria and fungi. In ancient times, this disease was considered one of the most dangerous, and although modern treatments make it possible to get rid of the infection quickly and without consequences, the disease has not lost its relevance. According to official data, in our country every year about a million people suffer from pneumonia in one form or another.

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

Theory

Adenovirus infection– a type of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) caused by an adenovirus. To be honest, I don’t know what signs the doctor used to give me this particular diagnosis, perhaps because the main complications in my case were conjunctivitis and sore throat.

As with other acute respiratory viral infections, the mode of transmission of adenovirus is airborne.

Symptoms

The main symptoms in adults and children are conjunctivitis, sore throat, fever, weakness. Less common are runny nose (rhinitis, sinusitis), otitis media. Laryngospasm occurs in young children.

Treatment

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

I treated my throat locally - I sucked on lozenges (Strepsils, Anzibel). The discomfort went away in just two days.

As with other acute respiratory viral infections, it is very important to maintain a drinking regime. Especially if the disease occurs 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 drug. Firstly, my temperature rose at night, and secondly, my eyes hurt badly.

Recovery

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

So, I changed all the towels every day, changed the bed linen 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 result in illness, and even in case of illness, recovery occurs as early as possible.

In this case, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Firstly, with conjunctivitis, it is important to assess the condition of the cornea so as not to miss possible complications. Secondly, it is important for workers to obtain sick leave so as not to infect others.

Have you encountered adenoviral infection?

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Adenovirus infection is an acute pathology caused by an adenovirus. The disease is manifested by general intoxication of the body, inflammation of the nasopharynx, signs of keratoconjunctivitis, tonsillopharyngitis and mesadenitis.

Adenovirus infection is widespread. It accounts for about 10% of all pathologies of viral etiology. The highest incidence rates are observed in the autumn-winter period due to a decrease in systemic immune status.

Both sporadic cases of pathology and outbreaks of epidemics are recorded.

Types of adenovirus damage:

• Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis develops after a respiratory infection or as a result of infection in the water of swimming pools or surface reservoirs;
• ARVI - in newly formed children's and adult groups;
• Keratoconjunctivitis in newborns;
• Meningoencephalitis is a rare form that develops in children and adults;
• Nosocomial infection is the result of medical procedures.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The causative agent of the disease is an adenovirus, which was first isolated from the adenoids and tonsils of sick children. It consists of DNA covered with a capsid, thanks to which the virus retains its pathogenic properties and is resistant to cold, drying, alkalis, and ether.

The reservoir of infection is a patient or a virus carrier.

The mechanisms of transmission of the pathogen are:

1. Aerosol or droplet, which is carried out by airborne droplets,
2. Fecal-oral, sold through alimentary, water and contact-household routes.

Viruses penetrate the lymph nodes with the lymph flow and accumulate there, which leads to the development of peripheral lymphadenopathy and mesadenitis. The activity of the macrophage immune system is suppressed, the vascular endothelium is affected, and viremia develops.

Pathogens enter various organs through hematogenous routes. Often viruses are fixed in the liver and spleen with the development of hepatosplenomegaly.

Classification

There are several classifications of the disease into groups:

• By severity - light, medium and heavy;
• Along the flow - smooth, complicated;
• By type - typical and atypical;
• According to the severity of clinical symptoms - with a predominance of symptoms of intoxication or with a predominance of local changes.

Clinic of the disease in adults

The incubation period lasts 2 weeks and is characterized by the penetration of adenoviruses into cells and their subsequent death.

Prodrome is the stage of the harbingers of the disease, which is observed from the first manifestations to the full clinical picture. It lasts 10-15 days and manifests itself in weakness, fatigue, weakness.

A characteristic feature of the disease is damage to organs and systems in strict sequence: from the nose and cornea of ​​the eyes to the intestines.

In adults, adenoviral infection manifests itself with the following symptoms:

1. Symptoms of intoxication - fever, headache, muscle, joint pain.
2. Impaired nasal breathing and copious mucous discharge from it;
3. Inflammation of the tonsils: they are swollen, loose, red with a whitish dotted coating;
4. Lymphadenitis.

Lymphadenitis and inflammation of the tonsils are signs of adenoviral infection

The infection goes down and affects the pharynx, trachea and bronchi. Developing, or with further accession. Symptoms of pathologies are:

• Hoarseness;
• a painful cough that gradually becomes;
• Dyspnea.

Keratoconjunctivitis – inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eyes, manifested by a feeling of sand in the eyes, their redness, injection of the sclera, pain, the formation of crusts on the eyelashes and films on the conjunctival membrane. Whitish dots appear on the cornea, which merge, leading to clouding of the cornea.

With the simultaneous development of conjunctivitis and pharyngitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever occurs.

Intestinal damage is accompanied by mesadenitis- inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes, which is accompanied by paroxysmal abdominal pain, intoxication and intestinal dysfunction. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is characterized by a clinical picture « acute abdomen."

Complications of the disease in adults are the following pathologies:, purulent, secondary bacterial, bronchial obstruction, kidney disease.

Clinic of the disease in children

Adenoviral infection in children is manifested by the following symptoms:

A sick child has a typical appearance: pasty face, swollen and hyperemic eyelids, narrowed palpebral fissure. On palpation, mobile and enlarged lymph nodes are detected. For young children, bowel dysfunction is common - diarrhea.

In infants, the disease develops extremely rarely, which is due to the presence of passive immunity. If infection does occur, the disease is severe, especially in children with perinatal pathology. In patients, after the addition of a bacterial infection, signs of respiratory failure appear. This can be fatal.

Based on severity, there are three forms of adenoviral infection:

• Mild - with a temperature of less than 38.5°C and intoxication.
• Moderately severe – with a temperature of up to 40°C without intoxication.
• Severe - with the development of complications: inflammation of the bronchi or lungs, keratoconjunctivitis.

Complications of the pathology in children are inflammation of the middle ear, bronchitis, pneumonia, encephalitis, dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, maculopapular rash on the skin.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of pathology includes the study of the epidemiological situation, collection of complaints and medical history, serodiagnosis and virological examination of nasopharyngeal discharge.

Signs of adenovirus infection:

1. Characteristic epidemiological history;
2. A combination of intoxication, symptoms of inflammation of the nasopharynx and eye mucosa;
3. Wave-like current;
4. Exudative inflammation;
5. Polyadenitis;
6. Hepatolienal syndrome.

The sequence of occurrence of symptoms is of great importance for diagnosing pathology.

Differential diagnosis of adenoviral infection should be carried out with. A distinctive feature of the latter is the predominance of intoxication symptoms over catarrhal symptoms. With influenza, there is also no hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenitis, or impaired nasal breathing. The etiology of the disease can only be accurately determined using laboratory diagnostics.

Laboratory research methods can confirm the diagnosis. These include:

• Enzyme immunoassay– detection of adenoviral antigen in the affected epithelial cells;
• Virological method consists of identifying adenoviruses in nasopharyngeal swabs, blood or feces;
• Serodiagnosis- neutralization reaction, compliment binding reaction.

Treatment

Treatment of adenoviral infection involves the use of antiviral drugs, immunomodulators and immunostimulants, general and local antibiotics, and drugs to relieve symptoms.

Features of treatment of adenoviral infection in children

• Sick children are prescribed bed rest, plenty of warm drinks and gentle nutrition.
• If a child's temperature is above 38.5°C, antipyretics should be used in accordance with age - Nurofen, Panadol. Vinegar body rubs are good for reducing fever in children.
• Etiotropic treatment consists of the use of Interferon, Viferon.
• Warm milk with soda helps cope with a dry cough. Heated alkaline mineral water has the same effect. The fight against wet cough is carried out by using expectorants - Ambroxol, Bromhexine.

• Treatment for conjunctivitis in a child is V washing the eyes with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or weak tea, and then instilling the eyes with a solution of Sulfacyl Sodium or Levimycytin.
• When symptoms appear, patients instill Pinosol, Nazivin, Tizin into the nose after cleansing the mucous membrane with saline or Aquamaris.
• General strengthening therapy - multivitamins.

Prevention

The main preventive measures are aimed at increasing the general resistance of the child’s body and isolating sick children from an organized group.

1. Wellness procedures - hardening, proper nutrition;
2. Taking herbal adaptogens - tinctures of Eleutherococcus, Schisandra, Echinacea;
3. Periodic intake of vitamin-mineral complexes, and in the autumn-winter period - immunomodulating and immunostimulating drugs.
4. Chlorination of water in swimming pools.
5. Prevention of drafts and hypothermia, clothing according to the weather.
6. Reducing contacts during the epidemic season, avoiding visiting large crowds of people.

After isolating a sick child from the children's group, final disinfection is carried out in the room. Surrounding objects are treated with chlorine-containing solutions - chloramine or sulfochlorantine. Emergency prevention is carried out in the outbreak by prescribing immunostimulants to contact children.

If an epidemic outbreak of a disease occurs, it is necessary to declare a quarantine to prevent the spread of infection. In an epidemic outbreak, medical personnel must wear masks and change them every three hours.

Video: viral infections and their treatment, Dr. Komarovsky

Viral infections, which are widespread among the population of different recurrent categories, are considered an urgent problem of modern medicine and society. It is known that about 90% of people suffer from colds, although once a year, which at first glance are completely harmless. Adults often ignore the symptoms of a cold, but few people know that viral infections in 70% of cases provoke the development of pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis and other diseases that have a complex course and often become chronic.

Viral infections represent a large group of diseases that are caused by various viruses. Among all the stamps and types of viruses, a special place is given to adenoviruses, which in 30% of cases cause the development of diseases affecting the mucous membranes of internal organs.

What is adenovirus infection?

Adenovirus infection– an acute anthroponotic disease that affects the respiratory tract, mucous membranes of the eyes, intestines or urinary system. The causative agent of the disease is a virus of the adenovirus family, of which in virology there are about 90 subtypes. This type of virus is quite stable, tolerates low temperatures well, but quickly dies when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

According to medical indicators, it is adenoviral infection that most often affects children, less often adults, and at the beginning of its development it resembles a common cold. A person who has had this disease is not immune from re-infection. Despite advances in modern medicine, the pathogenesis of adenoviruses has not been sufficiently studied. This type of virus was first discovered on the adenoids in the mucous membrane of the throat, which is probably why it got its name. It is known that after a pathogenic virus enters the body, it settles in epithelial cells, causing their death, and then penetrates and infects new cells, causing catarrhal inflammatory processes.

Adenoviruses, penetrating cellular structures, can cause latent or active infection. If the virus is in a latent state, then it only affects lymphoid cells. In cases where it penetrates deep cells, then the disease causes intoxication of the body with subsequent damage to one of the organs. Among the 90 subtypes of adenoviruses, only 49 species are capable of infecting the human body. For example, adenovirus types 1, 2, 5 and 6 most often affect preschool children, and viruses of types 3, 4, 14 and 21 are found in adults. After an adenovirus infection, a person develops species-specific immunity, but it cannot protect against re-infection.

How does adenovirus infection develop?

Primary replication of the adenovirus occurs in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, intestines or lymphoid tissues. The entrance gates for adenovirus are the mucous membranes of the eyes, intestines, and nasopharynx. Cells damaged by the virus increase in size and undergo destruction. This pathological process leads to the accumulation of serous fluid and the formation of fibrinous films on the mucous membranes. Adults are more resistant to the virus, but, nevertheless, untimely treatment can cause complications.

How is adenovirus infection transmitted?

Adenoviral infection is transmitted by airborne droplets or fecal-oral route. After infection with the virus, a person is most contagious in the first 7 days. Infection with an adenovirus infection occurs after contact with a sick person, less often after eating products that have not undergone the necessary processing. Children under six months do not suffer from adenoviral infections, as they have innate immunity. In rare cases, intrauterine infection of the fetus can occur when a woman suffers from this disease during pregnancy.

Clinical signs of adenovirus infection

After infection with an adenovirus infection, symptoms develop gradually and depend on the location of the virus. During this period, the virus settles firmly in the body and causes a number of pronounced symptoms. At first, the disease resembles a common cold or flu, fever appears, body temperature rises, cough, runny nose, general intoxication of the body appears. When examining the patient, the doctor notes hyperplasia of lymphoid tissues, the tonsils are enlarged, contain a gray coating on their surface, which can be easily removed with a spatula. In addition to changes in the mucous membrane of the throat, there is a strong cough without sputum discharge. When listening, the doctor hears isolated dry rales.

The onset of the disease can be acute or develop gradually, it depends on the person’s immunity. Adenovirus can cause the following diseases and symptoms:

Gastroenteritis - characterized by an acute onset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, nausea, elevated body temperature, intestinal colic, and general intoxication of the body. An adenovirus that affects the intestinal mucosa is most often found in children, less often in adults.

Tonsillopharyngitis– inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Urinary tract infections - burning, pain when going to the toilet, blood in the urine.

Eye infections (conjunctivitis)– inflammation of the membrane of the eye. The patient's eyes become red, there is lacrimation, discharge from the eyes, itching, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eyes.

Keratoconjunctivitis– damage to the cornea of ​​the eye by a virus. The clinical picture is pronounced and is characterized by pain in the eyes, redness, and symptoms of general intoxication of the body with severe damage to the nasopharynx and respiratory tract.

Adenoviral infection - symptoms that affect the mucous membrane of the eye, more common in children under 5 years of age. In adults, adenovirus almost always causes symptoms of acute respiratory infection or influenza.

Timely treatment of adenoviral infection, as a rule, does not cause complications and takes place 5–7 days after the appearance of the first symptoms. Poor treatment or its absence can lead to the development of complications such as viral pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchitis. In more severe cases, disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular or nervous system may occur.

Diagnosis of adenoviral infection

Adenoviral infection should be treated under the supervision of a doctor, who should rule out other infections and carry out appropriate treatment. Diagnosing adenovirus is quite difficult, since its symptoms almost always resemble regular flu. But if you observe the symptoms of the disease over time, then you can distinguish it from the influenza virus. To confirm the diagnosis of adenoviral infection, the doctor may prescribe the following examination methods:

• blood test;
• urine test;
• immunofluorescence (an express method that allows detection of virus antibodies within a few minutes);
• virological method;
• serological examination methods: RSK, RTGA.

The examination results allow the doctor to draw up a complete picture of the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.

There is currently no medicine available to treat adenoviruses. Therefore, treatment of adenovirus infection is symptomatic and aimed at eliminating specific symptoms. Usually the doctor prescribes:

• Antipyretic drugs.
• Antitussives for dry coughs or expectorants to thin mucus.
• Eye drops for conjunctivitis, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Vitamin therapy.
• Interferon preparations.
• Immunomodulators.
• Antiviral drugs.
• Antihistamines.
• Probiotics, enzymes, antidiarrheal drugs for gastroenteritis.

When an adenoviral infection develops, antibacterial drugs are prescribed only if complications are suspected. Treatment of adenovirus infection usually does not require hospitalization of the patient, but if small children are sick, or the doctor suspects complications, then it is better to hospitalize the patient in the infectious diseases department.

In addition to therapeutic treatment, patients are prescribed bed rest, a light diet with limited meat, salty and spicy foods. The prognosis after treatment is usually favorable, but, nevertheless, there is no need to treat this disease as a simple runny nose. For adenovirus infection, the main thing is to provide high-quality and competent treatment, which will help avoid health problems.

Prevention

It is difficult to protect yourself and your family from adenoviruses, especially when the disease becomes widespread among the population, but by following some preventive measures, you can still protect yourself from the virus or reduce the risk of infection several times.

1. Lack of contact with a sick person.
2. Hardening the child’s body from early childhood.
3. During an epidemic of acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections, you need to take multivitamins or drugs to boost immunity.
4. No hypothermia.
5. Proper and balanced nutrition.
6. Maintain personal hygiene.
7. Frequent ventilation of the room.
8. Walking in the fresh air.

Compliance with basic rules of prevention will protect the body not only from adenovirus, but also other viral diseases.