Background
Microbiology
- Non-enveloped double-stranded DNA virus
- Seven species with multiple serotypes
Epidemiology
- Transmitted by droplets or aerosol
Clinical Manifestations
- Common cause of upper respiratory infections (colds) in immunocompetent people
- Can also cause pharyngitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, hepatitis, urethritis or genital ulcers (sexually-transmitted)
- In cellular immunodeficiency or neonates, can cause severe disease
- Disseminated disease
- Hemorrhagic cystitis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and children
Diagnosis
- Typically by PCR
- May see smudge cells on histology (but not specific)
Management
- Usually treated supportively
- Only current effective treatment is cidofovir, indicated in severe or life-threatening disease
