How are infections caused by adenoviruses identified?
It takes many days to cultivate adenovirus in laboratory cell cultures in order to isolate it. Additionally, there are quickassays in the lab that use samples of sputum or nasal or throat swabs to identify adenoviral infections.These assays discover trace levels of viral DNA or protein using molecular PCR and antigen detection.The virus can be found in the blood in extreme cases.
How is an infection with an adenovirus treated?
Because the symptoms of an adenovirus infection are usually moderate, many people with it can live without treatment. Controlling nasal secretions with saline washes, as well as suctioning and breathing treatments if necessary, are all part of symptom support care.
Adenovirus, however, can cause serious illness and even death in certain individuals. Individuals with low immune function (immunocompromised) or respiratory failure, severe GI symptoms, hepatitis, myocarditis, encephalitis, or other conditions may require hospitalization and antiviral therapy called cidofovir.
How can one avoid contracting an adenovirus?
Good hand hygiene, such as frequent hand washing or the use of hand sanitizing gels, is the first line of prevention. Don't put unwashed hands near your mouth, nose, or eyes. You ought to make an effort to keep your distance from sick people. Anyone suffering from the virus should stay at home in order to prevent the sickness from spreading. Even when a person recovers from a severe illness, virus shedding (released from the body) can last for days to weeks, so even if a person seems well, they may still be able to infect others.
The virus that causes fomites (clothing, utensils, and furniture) is resistant to most disinfectants, making it challenging to clean. Use heat or products containing bleach to clean surfaces.