Adenovirus Serology Test – Acute Phase Reactant Test for Adenoviral Infections
Overview: Adenovirus Serology Test (Acute Phase Reactant)
Synonyms:
Acute Phase Reactant, Adenovirus Antibody Test
Test Commonly Includes:
Detection of increased antibody response to adenovirus through various serological methods.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:
Serum
Container:
Red top tube
Collection Instructions
Two samples are required: acute and convalescent sera drawn 2–4 weeks apart. Both specimens must be tested simultaneously for accurate comparison. Testing will be deferred until both samples are available.
Reference Range
A fourfold or greater increase in antibody titer between paired sera indicates an adenoviral infection. A single titer less than < 1:16 is typically considered negative.
Clinical Use
This test aids in diagnosing adenovirus infections and supports the differential diagnosis of:
- Respiratory tract illnesses
- Hemorrhagic cystitis
- Keratoconjunctivitis
Methodology
- Complement Fixation (CF)
- Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI)
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Serum Neutralization
Special Instructions
Ensure both acute and convalescent specimens are labeled and submitted together to avoid delays in testing.
Limitations
- CF tests lack sensitivity, especially in children.
- Cannot identify the specific adenovirus serotype.
- Serologic evidence may reflect past or asymptomatic infections, not the current illness.
Additional Information
There are 41 known adenovirus types. Many infections are asymptomatic and long-lasting. Therefore, positive serology or virus isolation may not directly correlate with the patient’s current symptoms.
References
- Abzug MJ & Levin MJ, “Neonatal Adenovirus Infection: Four Patients and Review of the Literature,” Pediatrics, 1991, 87(6):890-6.
- Bryan JA, “The Serologic Diagnosis of Viral Infections,” Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1987, 111:1015-23.
- Hierholzer JC, “Adenoviruses,” Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology, 4th ed, Vol 2, ASM, 1992, pp. 590-5.
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Adenovirus Serology, Acute Phase Reactant, Adenovirus Antibody Test, Complement Fixation Test, Respiratory Virus Diagnosis
