Adenovirus hepatitis in two successive liver transplants in a child

Adenoviruses can produce severe disease, especially in patients who are immunosuppressed. We present a unique case in which adenovirus type 5 was demonstrated retrospectively, by using immunohistochemical methods, in the appendix of a liver transplant donor. The donor had intussusception, which has been associated with adenovirus infection. Both the initial and a second liver transplant in the recipient were severely damaged by adenovirus type 5. These findings were demonstrated immunohistochemically, as well as on electron microscopy. The recipient died due to the infection and ensuing complications.