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Association of adenovirus type 16 with Reye's-syndrome-like illness and pneumonia
Abstract:
Thirty-eight antigenically distinct viruses have been described as adenoviruses, though only about one third have been commonly associated with human illnesses. In mid-January 1981, adenovirus 16, one of the more rarely encountered ones, was isolated from three patients in separate hospitals in the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, even though it had not previously been isolated there. We report the details of these cases, which included a Reye's-syndrome-like illness and fatal viral pneumonia. The reports indicate a new and more important clinical role for adenovirus 16 infection.
Insights
Rarely encountered adenovirus 16 was newly identified in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1981. This adenovirus caused severe illness, including Reye
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Adenoviruses are a diverse viral family with numerous serotypes.
- Only a subset of adenovirus serotypes are frequently implicated in human diseases.
- Adenovirus 16 is considered a rarely encountered serotype.
Observation:
- In January 1981, adenovirus 16 was isolated from three patients in Little Rock, Arkansas.
- These isolations occurred in separate hospitals.
- Adenovirus 16 had not been previously reported in this geographic region.
Findings:
- The three patients presented with severe clinical manifestations.
- One patient experienced a Reye's-syndrome-like illness.
- Another patient succumbed to fatal viral pneumonia.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a previously unrecognized clinical significance for adenovirus 16.
- Adenovirus 16 may play a more important role in human infections than previously thought.
- This highlights the importance of continued surveillance for emerging viral pathogens and their clinical impact.