Epidemiology - Adenovirus

Epidemiology

Adenovirus infections are found worldwide.

◗ Geographical distribution

More than one serotypes of virus may produce the same clinical syndrome, and one serotype of virus may cause clinically dif-ferent diseases. Adenoviruses 1–7 are the common serotypes worldwide and are responsible for most cases of adenovirus-associated infections.

Reservoir, source, and transmission of infection

Adenovirus infections are exclusively human infections. No animal reservoirs are present. Infected symptomatic as well as asymptomatic humans who excrete adenoviruses intermit-tently in their respiratory secretions and also in their stool are the sources of infection. The infection is transmitted from person-to-person directly by

·           aerosol droplets,

·           feco–oral route,

·           direct inoculation of conjunctiva by contaminated fingers,

·           contaminated fomites including towels and medical instru-ments, and

·           swimming in improperly disinfected swimming pool.

Overcrowding, poor hygiene, and close contact facilitate trans-mission of infection. Adenovirus typically affects children, starting from infants to school-going ones, though children of any age may be affected.