The HealthMatters Journal — evidence-based health writing
Biomarkers

Let’s talk about Adenovirus 40/41

Adenovirus 40/41 gastroenteritis treatment healthmatters.io

Adenovirus serotypes 40 and 41 cause acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) primarily in children.

Symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain,

It may last for approximately 10 days. Respiratory symptoms can occur in some individuals. The disease is usually self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals; however rare fatalities can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Asymptomatic infections are common, particularly in children.

Adenovirus 40/41 is also known as Enteric adenovirus. Enteric adenoviruses have been identified in 9% of children with diarrhea. They are the third most common cause of infantile gastroenteritis after rotavirus and norovirus. Sporadic and endemic infections may occur year-round.

Treatment is primarily oral rehydration or, in serious cases, intravenous rehydration.

Try it on your numbers

Decode your own result in 30 seconds

Enter your value and get a personal interpretation — what your number means in plain language, what to pair it with, and when to follow up.

Decode my result →

Sources:

  • Gastroenteritis caused by adenoviruses 40/41: epidemiological and clinical aspects, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4822746/ 
  • Seranti H, Johnson G, Brown M, Petric M, Tellier R (2004) Comprehensive detection and serotyping of human adenoviruses by PCR and sequencing. J Clin Microbiol 42: 3963-3969.
  • Benko M, Harrach B (2003) Molecular evolution of adenoviruses. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 272: 3-35.
  • Murray PR, Baron EJ, Jorgensen JH, Landry ML, Pfaller MA (2006) Rotaviruses, Caliciviruses, Astroviruses, Enteric adenoviruses and Other Diarrheic Viruses. editor. Washington DC: ASM Press 1453-1469.

Disclaimer:

The information on healthmatters.io is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

HealthMatters Subscription

HealthMatters.io's avatar
HealthMatters.io

Keep reading

blood tests healthmatters.io
Biomarkers · 3 min read

A Healthcare Revolution: Why Blood Tests matter

For most people, a blood test comes once a year along with the annual check-up. Ideally, within a week or so, your doctor calls with the…

interleukin-6 meaning high low
Biomarkers · 3 min read

What is Interleukin-6?

Other names: IL-6 What are Interleukins? Interleukins are a group of naturally occurring proteins that mediate communication between cells. Interleukins manage cell growth and differentiation.…