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Clinical and laboratory findings in children with adenovirus infections

S Van Lierde1, L Corbeel, E Eggermont

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Adenovirus infection commonly affects children under three, with pharyngotonsillitis and fever as frequent symptoms. Bacterial superinfections are rare but difficult to rule out, leading to frequent antibiotic use in pediatric adenovirus cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Adenovirus infections are common in young children.
  • Diagnosis relies on various methods, including virus isolation and serology.
  • Understanding clinical presentations and complications is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical features, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of adenovirus infection in hospitalized children.
  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of bacterial superinfections in pediatric adenovirus cases.
  • To evaluate the utility of laboratory tests in identifying bacterial superinfections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of hospital records for 49 children diagnosed with adenovirus infection.
  • Analysis of diagnostic methods (virus isolation, serology) and their locations.
  • Assessment of clinical diagnoses, symptoms (fever), and occurrence of bacterial superinfections.

Main Results:

  • Adenovirus was diagnosed via virus isolation in 73% (airways) and 44% (stools).
  • Pharyngotonsillitis (49%) and fever (96%, avg. 39.6°C for 5.9 days) were most common. Bacterial superinfection occurred in 3 patients (otitis media, pneumonia).
  • Elevated band counts (>3/100 WBC) indicated bacterial superinfection; other lab tests were not useful. 71% received antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Adenovirus infection in children presents with diverse symptoms, primarily pharyngotonsillitis and fever.
  • Bacterial superinfections are uncommon but suggested by elevated band counts.
  • The difficulty in excluding bacterial disease leads to high antibiotic prescription rates.

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