Adenovirus
An adenovirus is a DNA-containing virus that infects various tissues of humans and animals. It causes respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infections. Adenoviruses spread through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. They are resistant to drying and most disinfectants, making them persistent in the environment.
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01
To 30 days
Adenoviruses can survive on surfaces for up to 30 days.
02
5-10%
They cause 5-10% of respiratory infections in children annually.
03
About 15%
They account for about 15% of conjunctivitis cases.
04
10-15%
They can resist about 10-15% of commonly used disinfectants.
05
2 to 14 days
The incubation period typically ranges from 2 to 14 days.
Structure and functions of microorganisms
Genome
Linear double-stranded DNA that encodes structural and non-structural proteins. Based on DNA homology and other properties, human adenoviruses are divided into six groups (A-F).
Fiber
(Fibers) that participate in the attachment of the virus to receptors on the surface of host cells. These fibers play a key role in the virus's specificity to different types of cells.
Hexon
A protein that constitutes the main part of the adenovirus capsid, which has an icosahedral shape. This structure provides the virus with structural stability and protection for its genetic material, which consists of double-stranded DNA contained within the capsid
Knob domain
Important for the virus's interaction with cellular receptors on the surface of the host cell, facilitating attachment and subsequent penetration of the virus into the cell. This structure plays a key role in the specificity of adenovirus to various types of cells, as different types of adenoviruses can have different affinities for receptors on the surface of cells, which is determined by the structure and composition of these spherical fiber tips.
Penton base
A component of the adenovirus capsid, located at the vertices of the icosahedral structure of the capsid. Each penton consists of a pentameric base protein and a fiber that extends from this base. The penton bases aid in the packaging and stabilization of the viral structure, while the fibers play a key role in attaching the virus to the host cell receptors, facilitating the process of viral adsorption and subsequent penetration into the cell.
