Human adenovirus 40 (HAdV‑40) is one of two species F adenoviruses known as “enteric” adenoviruses. These non‑enveloped viruses have an icosahedral capsid about 70‑100 nm in diameter and a linear double‑stranded DNA genome. HAdV‑40 predominantly infects the intestinal epithelium and is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children.
Biology and pathogenesis
Adenovirus particles are stable in the environment and resist acidic pH and bile salts. HAdV‑40 spreads via the faecal‑oral route and occasionally through contaminated water. After ingestion, the virus infects enterocytes in the small intestine and replicates in the nucleus. Viral replication leads to cell lysis and shedding of large numbers of virions in stool. Because enteric adenoviruses have limited replication in the respiratory tract, systemic symptoms are less pronounced than with respiratory types, and immunity is mediated by neutralising antibodies and cellular responses.
Clinical features and management
HAdV‑40 infections typically present with fever, vomiting and watery diarrhoea lasting several days. In industrialised countries, it is one of the leading causes of paediatric viral gastroenteritis after rotavirus and norovirus. In most cases the illness is self‑limiting, but dehydration may require oral or intravenous rehydration, particularly in infants. Severe disease is uncommon except in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis relies on PCR or antigen detection from stool. There is no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral therapy; prevention focuses on hygiene, sanitation and isolation of cases.
Human adenovirus 40 underscores the clinical diversity of adenovirus infections. Recognition of its role in childhood diarrhoeal disease helps guide diagnostic testing and public health measures.
Related Terms: Human Adenovirus 41, Human Adenovirus 31, Human Adenovirus 55, Human Adenovirus 7