Killer Cold Virus (Adenovirus 14) Contagious, Treatment & Vaccine

Adenovirus 14 (Ad14) facts

Adenovirus 14 is one of a group of viruses that can cause infections of the lung, stomach, intestine, and eyes. It is very contagious.

Adenovirus 14 (Ad14) is termed the killer cold virus because of the high incidence of hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the viral strain.
Ad14 viruses are passed person to person or picked up from items touched by infected people and then initially invade cells in the eye, nose, or mouth that subsequently allow further spread to other body organs.
Symptoms and signs resemble those of a cold (cough, runny nose, mild fever) for about three to five days; the majority of people clear the disease, but up to about 40% may need hospitalization with severe symptoms of pneumonia, and shortness of breath; other organ-related symptoms may develop such as eye, bladder, and GI problems.
Ad14 is contagious and is transmitted person to person and by touching contaminated surfaces.
The incubation period averages about five to eight days, but the contagious period can last for weeks to months.
Risk factors include crowded living conditions, contact with an infected individual, and immunosuppression.
Medical professionals presumptively diagnose Ad14 by history, physical exam, X-ray, and in association with other Ad14-diagnosed patients in the community; definitive diagnosis is completed with the isolation of the virus from the patient, a rising titer of antibodies against Ad14, immunofluorescence of Ad14 virus particles in tissues, or fluids and PCR tests.
Treatments are mainly supportive; some clinicians have used antivirals, but there are no studies that prove efficacy, only case reports.
Complications of Ad14 are related to the severity of the respiratory infection; the majority of patients have no complications but hospitalized patients and people with weak immune systems may have mild to serious complications which are related to the organ system most damaged (eyes, GI tract, bladder and most notably, lung problems such as ARDS that may lead to death).
The majority of patients have an excellent prognosis; however, about 40% of infected patients may have a wide range of suboptimal outcomes, depending on the severity of the Ad14 infection.
It's possible to reduce or prevent Ad14 infections by following careful hygiene methods.
There is no vaccine currently available against Ad14.

Adenovirus 14 Infection Symptom

Runny Nose

Stuffy nose is a term often used to refer to obstruction to the flow of air in and out of the nose, while runny nose refers to a discharge (fluid) coming from the nasal passages. Both of these conditions are associated with inflammation and swelling (congestion) of the inner lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. Rhinitis is a term that refers to inflammation of the nasal passages. A viral infection (the common cold) is the most common cause of a stuffy and/or runny nose, but allergies, influenza, other viral infections like RSV and sinus infections also may cause these symptoms and signs.

Learn more about causes of a runny nose »

What is the killer cold virus?

Figure 1: Picture of a colorized transmission electron micrograph of adenovirus; SOURCE: CDC/Dr. G. William Gary, Jr.

The term "killer cold virus" was applied to a new strain of adenovirus (Adenoviridae) termed adenovirus 14, adenovirus type 14, or Ad14 that appeared in multiple outbreaks worldwide since the 1950s and that has caused severe pneumonia and deaths in several different groups of individuals. People use this term because typical adenoviruses cause symptoms of the common cold, not severe pneumonia or death in most people. Investigations are done by state and city health authorities, the U.S. Air Force, and CDC during several outbreaks showed that Ad14 is a rarely reported but emerging serotype of adenovirus that can cause severe and sometimes fatal respiratory disease in anyone, including healthy adults. In 2006, a 12-day-old died from Ad14. Fortunately, Ad14 infections are uncommon, and most infections from Ad14 strains are not serious; the severe or fatal outcomes from Ad14 are rare for this common cold virus. However, the name "killer cold virus" has stuck with the Ad14 strain of adenovirus infection. Health officials first identified the virus in the 1950s when adenoviruses were first isolated from human adenoids. (Adenovirus is named after adenoids.) The number 14 of Ad14 represents the antigenic makeup of the strain or type; currently, there are at least 52 strains (antigenically distinct) that immunologic techniques can distinguish. These viruses have a double-stranded DNA that lab experiments can easily modify and apparently can undergo changes in the environment that may change Ad14's ability to infect cells and cause disease. People infrequently report or encounter the Ad14 strain, while Ad4 and Ad7 strains are the most widespread adenovirus strains (account for about 80% of adenoviral infections).

Many different strains or types (serotypes) of viruses cause adenovirus infections. A human adenovirus occasionally may behave like Ad14 but usually produces a set of symptoms that is characteristic of that type or strain. For example, types 8, 9, 37, 53, and 54 can cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, while types 40 and 4 can cause gastroenteritis in children. However, in 2018, an outbreak of an Ad7 serotype was reported that acts like its close relative, Ad14, and has produced 11 deaths in a facility for children with serious pre-existing medical problems and the death of an 18-year-old college student with medical problems.

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Is adenovirus 14 contagious?

Yes, Ad14 is contagious person to person. Usually, an individual acquires Ad14 through person-to-person exposure via droplets containing Ad14 expelled by an infected person who coughs or sneezes. When these droplets reach the eyes, nose, or mouth, the Ad14 virus can attach and infect cells. These infected sites allow the virus to proliferate in some patients, and the virus then may go on to infect other organ systems, especially the lungs.

How does adenovirus 14 spread?

Droplets produced by coughing or sneezing usually transmit the virus. Ad14 also passes through direct hand-to-hand contact if an infected patient has not washed their hands after coughing or sneezing. Adenoviruses can survive for days on objects like doorknobs, hand rails, and other objects. If a non-infected person touches the contaminated item, they can pick up the virus and then transfer it to a site (mouth, nose, eyes) where the virus can infect cells and proliferate.

What are risk factors for an
adenovirus 14 infection?

Risk factors include crowded living conditions like schools, day care facilities, dorms or barracks, lack of hand-washing, utilization of public transit, and close association with an infected individual. Immunosuppressed people may be at high risk.

What is the incubation period for an adenovirus 14 infection?

The incubation period (time from infection to showing symptoms) is variable and ranges from about two days to two weeks with about a five- to eight-day average.

Unfortunately, the contagious period for this virus begins when the virus sheds in respiratory droplets and feces. This can begin in the incubation period and can continue shedding for months after the person has recovered and has no signs or symptoms of the illness.

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How long does it take to get over an
adenovirus 14 infection?

Most infections last about five days (range is about three to seven days). Severe infections may last two or more weeks.

What are symptoms and signs of an
adenovirus 14 infection?

Adenovirus 14 infections usually begin with cold symptoms such as:

a cough,
runny nose, and
mild fever and possibly throat irritation.

The majority of infected people have these types of symptoms for several days (about three to five days), and then the respiratory tract infection clears without any medical treatment. However, with some individuals, infection with the adenovirus 14 strain (and rarely a few other strains such as 3, 7, 21, 30) progresses past the three to five days, causing additional symptoms. These symptoms may include:

diarrhea,
bronchitis/pharyngitis,
eye infections (conjunctivitis),
bladder infection,
rash,
high fevers (febrile),
swollen lymph nodes,
pneumonia, and
shortness of breath (dyspnea).

Although medical professionals have found infection with Ad14 in a few isolated individuals, most recent outbreaks have occurred with groups of individuals living in close contact. For example, the 2007 outbreak occurred in a military installation (Lackland AFB) in San Antonio, TX, while the 2008 outbreak was in a small community in Alaska. A group of individuals that appears very ill (require hospitalization) due to respiratory problems, and are likely due to a "virus," should make clinicians suspect Ad14 as a possible cause of infection.

How do health care professionals diagnose an adenovirus 14 infection?

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Diagnosis begins with a complete medical history and physical exam, especially noting if the patient has been associated with any group of people that has similar symptoms (clinical evidence). Ad14 is one of several possible causative agents for an outbreak of respiratory problems in members of a group, like military recruits. To provide a definitive diagnosis of Ad14, medical professionals specifically culture blood, tissue, and/or exudates for the virus. Rising serum titers of antibodies to Ad14, immunofluorescence tests for virus antigens in tissues, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also tests that provide a definitive diagnosis. However, in the vast majority of infected patients, such specific testing is not done and is not clinically necessary. It does not alter the management of the infected person. Electron microscopy shows the virus structure (Figure 1) but does not identify the strain. Supportive tests may include chest X-rays, blood tests, and others that the health care professional deems appropriate.

For further information on adenovirus structure, see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8174/.

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What is the treatment for an adenovirus 14 (Ad14) infection?

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Treatment for Ad14 infection in most people consists of supportive care (rest, fluids, and fever reduction) because many people do well and have no problems. However, the Ad14 infections that progress require more intensive care; about 40% have required hospitalization in some outbreaks and some require respiratory assistance (intubation or mechanical breathing support) and intensive care. Mortality (death) rate has been as high as 5% in some settings.

There are many reports of use of antivirals in severe Ad14 infections, but there are no good studies that support specific antivirals. Health care providers have documented some benefits of antivirals such as ribavirin (Rebetol, Copegus) and cidofovir (Vistide) in ill patients; in severe cases, clinicians may try such agents because there is no other treatment other than supportive care. The effectiveness of antiviral medications has not been well studied in Ad14 infections. It's advisable to consult with an infectious disease, pulmonary, or ophthalmologist consultant, depending on the location of the severe infection.

What are complications of an
adenovirus 14 infection?

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Most people require neither treatment nor hospitalization, and they do not develop complications. However, complications may be serious if the Ad14 disease progresses and the complication types are related to the organ system(s) bearing the most severe infection. Complications include bronchitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis, bladder infection (cystitis), diarrhea, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), and death.

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What is the prognosis for an adenovirus 14 (Ad14) infection?

In general, the prognosis for the majority (about 60% in some outbreaks) of people diagnosed with Ad14 is excellent with no complications. The prognosis declines as the severity of disease increases. Some hospitalized people may do well; those with other pre-existing health problems or who have a weakened immune system have a prognosis that may range from fair to poor depending on the individual's response to supportive and other possible (antiviral) therapies. Depending on the population and the setting, up to 5% of people identified as having Ad14 may die.

Is it possible to prevent an
adenovirus 14 infection?

The only adenovirus vaccines are against Ad4 and Ad7 strains and are not available to the public, but are restricted to the military in the U.S. Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine against Ad14. Fortunately, the number of people infected with this strain has been very low, and to date, there is no good evidence this strain will rapidly cause global problems like HIV or enterovirus strains. However, because this virus can be deadly and is transmissible from person to person by droplets, it has the potential to become widespread. Also, there can be some confusion in the medical literature about adenovirus "vaccines," as medical researchers have used the virus as a genetic carrier for other viral genomic elements to make research vaccines against other viruses; these should be listed as recombinant vaccines and not confused with the limited production of Ad4 and Ad7 vaccines. In addition, adenoviruses are the most common vector for cancer gene therapy; genetic engineering science has allowed these modified viruses to carry therapeutic genes into cancer cells without causing viral symptoms.

Good hand washing techniques, avoiding close contact with infected people, and avoidance of touching people or potentially contaminated surfaces and then touching eyes, nose, or mouth are some of the best ways to reduce the chance of getting infected with Ad14. These techniques are used to help avoid many other viral illnesses such as influenza, RSV, and other enteroviruses. Patients with the disease should always cover their cough or sneeze and avoid touching others. Discard or carefully clean potentially contaminated items such as food, plates, utensils, and other handled items before reuse to help reduce Ad14 transfer to others.

Is there an adenovirus 14 vaccine?

There is no commercially available vaccine against this virus to date.

Where can people get more information about the killer cold virus (adenovirus 14)?

The following sites may provide additional information about Ad14:

"Adenoviruses," Medscape

"Outbreak of Adenovirus 14 Respiratory Illness — Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, 2008," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"Structure and Classification of Viruses," Medical Microbiology