Deaths may occur from adenovirus especially from infection by human adenovirus type 7. Diagnosis occurs through enzyme immunoassay, immunofluorescence techniques and virus isolation in cell cultures. Treatment and Therapy Antivirals have generally been ineffective against adenovirus infection. Intravenous ribavirin is a potential treatment. Adenovirus infection results in long-lasting immunity against the specific serotype.
Maternal antibody is protective.
Mucosal and intestinal immunity result. Vaccines are administered to the military but not available for general use because of concern about the live vaccine's oncogenic potential and the level of attenuation achieved in children. A DNA segment that codes for an enzyme or protein product that corrects a human genetic defect can be delivered to the host by an adenovirus vector. For example, a normal copy of the defective gene in cystic fibrosis patients can be inserted into patients through an adenovirus vector. Dr. DM Sander's Page on Adenovirus Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Trial Based on Adenovirus Vector Diagnosis of Adenovirus Humans and Viruses, Winter'98 Professor Robert Siegel's Home Page Textbook References Fields.