AdV4

AdV-4, or human adenovirus type 4, is a non-enveloped double-stranded DNA virus in the family Adenoviridae and genus Mastadenovirus. It belongs to the species Human mastadenovirus E. The virions are icosahedral and roughly 90 nanometers in diameter, with a genome of about 34,000 to 36,000 base pairs.

Clinical features of AdV-4 infection usually include acute respiratory illness, with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Conjunctivitis or pharyngoconjunctival fever can occur, and gastroenteritis is possible in some cases. The virus is a common cause of illness in young children and in closed populations, and outbreaks have been reported in settings like military training facilities.

Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces, with the potential for spread via the fecal-oral route in certain circumstances. Most infections are self-limited and managed with supportive care. Severe disease can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Antiviral options are limited, though cidofovir has been used in some severe or complicated cases; there is no widely approved specific therapy for routine management of AdV-4.

Vaccination: A live oral vaccine targeting AdV-4 and AdV-7 is licensed for use in United States military populations to prevent acute respiratory disease caused by these serotypes. The vaccine is administered to new recruits as part of a military health program and is not generally available to the civilian public.

History and taxonomy: Adenoviruses were first identified in the 1950s. AdV-4 is recognized as a common cause of respiratory illness and conjunctivitis and is one of several serotypes associated with outbreaks in military and other closed settings. See also adenovirus; vaccination.