Adenoviruses are common pathogens that often cause a broad spectrum of human diseases, including pharyngitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever, pneumonia, conjunctivis, hemorrhagic cystitis, and gastroenteritis. Respiratory Adenovirus is responsible for 5 to 8% of acute respiratory infections in young children and 2% of respiratory illnesses in civilian adults, particularly in day care centres and amongst military recruits probably due to crowding and stress. Most children are infected by at least one adenovirus by the time they reach school. Patients with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to sever complications of Adenovirus infection, including pneumonia. Some types of adenoviruses can establish persistent infections in tonsils, adenoids, and intestines. Adenovirus is highly contagious, particularly in situations where close contact is common, such as child care centres, schools, hospitals, and summer camps. Adenovirus spreads from person to person through respiratory secretions (coughs and sneezes) or fecal contamination for intestinal infections.

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