The termini of the genome are linked by proteins, allowing complete replication. The structure of Adenovirus has been extensively analyzed. The virion is composed of 9 different polypeptides having 8 distinct antigenic determinants. Most of the antigens are on the outer capsid and all show hemagglutinating activity. The replication of Adenoviruses is similar to that of Herpesvirus.
Adenoviruses produce cytopathic changes in their host cells.
These changes include rounding, enlargement and aggregation. The virus can transform non-permissive cells poorly. Clinically, disease can be transmitted by droplet transfer from an infected person via the respiratory route. This affects infants and children and is difficult to distinguish from influenza, or the common cold. Most children become sero-positive before entering school.