Adenoviruses are a class of DNA viruses (small infectious agents) that can cause upper respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, and other infections in humans. Infants and children are most commonly affected by adenoviruses. Adenovirus infections can occur throughout the year, but seem to be most common from fall to spring.

Adenoviruses are responsible for 3-5% of acute respiratory infections in children and 2% of respiratory illnesses in civilian adults. They are more apt to cause infection among people who live in close contact. Outbreaks among children are frequently reported at boarding schools and summer camps. Most children have been infected by at least one adenovirus by the time they reach school age. Most adults have acquired immunity to many adenoviruses due to infections they had as children.

An adenovirus infection can either be acute or chronic. In acute infections, adenoviruses use healthy cells in the body to replicate...