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Overview

What Is Adenovirus Enteritis?

Adenovirus enteritis is inflammation and infection of the intestines caused by adenovirus. Types 40 and 41 are commonly associated with gastrointestinal illness. This infection is more common in young children, but people of any age can be affected.

How It Spreads (Transmission)

How Adenovirus Enteritis Spreads

Adenovirus enteritis spreads through microscopic amounts of stool or vomit. Contaminated hands, surfaces, food, and water can transmit the virus, as can close contact with an infected person. Inadequate handwashing after using the toilet or changing diapers can make transmission more likely.

When It Can Spread

People are most contagious during active vomiting or diarrhea. Adenovirus can continue to be shed in stool after symptoms improve, and shedding may be prolonged in some people, so there is not one fixed contagious period for everyone.

  • Infants and young children may be more vulnerable because of close contact and developing hygiene habits.
  • People in childcare, household, healthcare, or other group settings may have more exposure opportunities.
  • People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe or prolonged infection.

Conditions It Can Cause

Conditions Adenovirus Can Cause

Adenovirus is a family of viruses that can affect several body systems. Different adenovirus types are linked to different conditions, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, and urinary tract infections.

  • Adenovirus gastroenteritis or enteritis
  • Adenovirus respiratory infection
  • Adenovirus conjunctivitis
  • Adenovirus hemorrhagic cystitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of Adenovirus Enteritis

Adenovirus enteritis may cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Some infections are mild or cause no symptoms, while illness can be prolonged or more severe in young children and people with weakened immune systems.

When to seek care

Warning signs

Seek medical assessment for signs of dehydration, bloody stool, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or worsening illness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Adenovirus Enteritis

Doctors usually evaluate adenovirus enteritis using symptoms, exposure history, and a clinical examination. Laboratory testing may be recommended when confirmation is needed or when illness is severe, prolonged, part of an outbreak, or affecting someone at higher risk. Stool testing can help identify adenovirus, but results are interpreted alongside the clinical picture.

  • Stool PCR or another nucleic acid amplification test can detect adenovirus genetic material.
  • Stool antigen tests can identify adenovirus proteins in some clinical settings.
  • Additional testing may be used to assess dehydration or exclude bacterial, parasitic, or other viral causes of diarrhea.

Prevention

Preventing Adenovirus Enteritis

There is no routinely available vaccine for the enteric adenovirus types that commonly cause adenovirus enteritis. Prevention therefore relies mainly on careful hygiene, sanitation, and limiting exposure during active vomiting or diarrhea.

  • Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, or caring for someone with diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Clean and disinfect toilets, bathroom surfaces, changing areas, and frequently touched objects after contamination.
  • Do not prepare food for others while experiencing vomiting or diarrhea and follow local guidance before returning to group settings.
  • Dispose of diapers and contaminated materials carefully and wash soiled laundry using appropriate handling practices.

Affected Body System/Organ

Body System Affected by Adenovirus Enteritis

The primary body system affected is the gastrointestinal (digestive) system, particularly the small intestine and colon. Adenovirus infection can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Diseases & Conditions

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