Adenoviruses cause acute, self-limiting, febrile infections, with inflammation of the respiratory or ocular mucous membranes or both. Thirty-five serotypes are known. These viruses produce five major infections, all of which occur in epidemics. They are common in all age-groups and may remain latent for years.

Adenoviruses affect almost everyone early in life, although maternal antibodies offer some protection during the first 6 months.