Adenovirus (ADV) Stool Test

Price: 10 د.ا

The Adenovirus (ADV) stool test is used to detect adenovirus in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Adenoviruses are a group of DNA viruses that most commonly cause respiratory infections, but certain serotypes can infect the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and urinary tract.

Transmission & Pathogenesis

• Transmission: ADV spreads via
  • Respiratory droplets (respiratory serotypes)
  • Fecal–oral route (gastrointestinal serotypes)
  • Direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
• Viral Replication: Once ingested, the virus infects and replicates within the epithelial cells of the gut, leading to cell damage, inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Clinical Presentation

Depending on the serotype and site of infection, adenovirus can cause:

• Gastrointestinal: Acute onset of watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Respiratory: Fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose
• Ocular: Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
• Systemic: Fever and malaise, especially in immunocompromised patients

Indications for ADV Stool Test

• Persistent or severe diarrhea in children and adults
• Outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis where adenovirus is suspected
• Immunocompromised individuals with GI symptoms

Diagnostic Methods

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Highly sensitive and specific; detects viral DNA in stool
• Antigen Detection: Rapid enzyme immunoassays that identify adenoviral proteins
• Virus Culture: Less commonly used due to longer turnaround time

A positive ADV stool test confirms adenoviral gastroenteritis, while a negative result in the absence of other pathogens suggests alternative causes.

Management & Prevention

• Supportive Care: Mainstay of treatment—oral rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and symptomatic relief (antipyretics, antiemetics)
• Infection Control:
  • Strict hand hygiene
  • Disinfection of surfaces and shared objects
  • Isolation of infected patients in healthcare settings to limit spread

There is no specific antiviral therapy approved for adenovirus; care focuses on maintaining hydration and preventing complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is adenovirus?
   A group of viruses that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ocular infections.
2. How is adenovirus transmitted?
   Through respiratory droplets, fecal–oral contact, and contaminated surfaces.
3. What symptoms suggest I need an ADV stool test?
   Acute, unexplained diarrhea—especially if prolonged or associated with vomiting and no bacterial pathogens are found.
4. How accurate is the ADV stool test?
   PCR-based assays have very high sensitivity and specificity; antigen tests are faster but slightly less sensitive.
5. Can adenovirus infection be prevented?
   Good hand hygiene, thorough cleaning of surfaces, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are the best preventive measures.

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ primary duty is the patients, placing their welfare above their own needs and desires thus ensuring that each patient receives the best service and the highest quality of care according to current standards of practice. High quality laboratory services are safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered. Medical Laboratory Professionals work with all patients and samples without regard to disease state, ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Medical Laboratory Professionals prevent and avoid conflicts of interest that undermine the best interests of patients. Learn More