Adenovirus Infections

Adenovirus Infections

	Adenovirus Infections Adenoviruses are a collection of at least 35 types of icosahedral virions having double stranded DNA. The virion is 60-90 nm in diameter, having a dense central core and an outer coat, the capsid. The capsid is composed of 252 capsomeres - 240 hexons (making the faces and edges of equilateral trinagles) and 12 pentons (making the vertices).
In capsid there are four additional minor proteins (IIIa, VI, VIII, IX) associated with the hexons or pentons in stoichiometric amounts . The core proteins include proteins V and VII associated with the viral DNA.The viruses owe their name from the adenoid cells from which they were first isolated in 1953. They multiply in the nucleus of Infected cells causing visible nuclear granules or inclusions, which are made up of numerous virions arranged in a crystalline pattern.
Adenoviruses cause diseases of respiratory tract, eyes and meninges. Respiratory infection are transmitted by droplets. Like influenza they also cause mild horseness, cough, and loss of apetite called anorexia. The terms common cold and croup are often used for infections. Type 8 adenovirus is the chief cause of kerato conjunctivitis eye inflammation, tearing, sensitivity to light and swelling. Type 7 causes meninges in the spinal cord coverings.