ADENOVIRUSES viruses containing double-stranded DNA which cause around 5 per cent of clinically recognized respiratory illnesses. Of the 40 or so known types only a few have been properly studied to establish how they produce disease. Adenoviruses cause fever and inflammation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the eyes, symptoms resembling those of the common cold. They also cause enteritis, haemorrhagic cystitis and life-threa t ening infections in neonates. Infections .n,
generally benign and self limiting and treatment is symptomatic and supportive, although the elderly and people with chronic chest conditions may develop secondary infections which require antibiotic treatment
