infectious diseases
Adenovirus Infections
Prevention of Adenovirus Infections
Vaccines containing live adenovirus types 4 and 7, given orally in an enteric-coated capsule, can prevent most illness caused by these two types. The vaccine was unavailable for a number of years but was reintroduced in 2011. However, it is available only for military personnel. It may be given to patients aged 17 through 50 years and should not be given to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. To minimize transmission, health care practitioners should change gloves and wash hands after examining infected patients, sterilize instruments adequately, and avoid using the same ophthalmologic instruments in multiple patients. Adenoviruses are resistant to many common disinfectants; bleach-based products containing 2000 to 5000 ppm chlorine are recommended, as are the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendedantimicrobial products effective against norovirus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific recommendations fordisinfecting ophthalmologic equipmentto prevent epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. 