Human adenovirus type 54 (HAdV-D54)

Human adenovirus type 54 (HAdV-D54) is a double-stranded DNA virus within the Mastadenovirus genus, specifically belonging to species D. It is a significant pathogen primarily associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a severe and highly contagious ocular infection characterized by conjunctival inflammation and corneal subepithelial infiltrates [1, 19]. HAdV-D54 was first identified as a distinct type through whole-genome sequencing, revealing it to be a recombinant of other species D adenoviruses like HAdV-D8 and HAdV-D37 [1, 5, 8]. The virus infects host cells by binding to surface receptors, such as sialic acid or GD1a gangliosides, via its fiber protein, followed by internalization and replication in the nucleus [2, 5]. Therapeutic strategies against HAdV-D54 focus on inhibiting its viral DNA polymerase, with drugs like cidofovir and its lipid-linked derivative brincidofovir showing activity in clinical and preclinical settings [4, 7, 12]. However, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for adenovirus infections, and management often remains supportive [4, 20].

Other names

HAdV-54Human mastadenovirus D54Adenovirus 54

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase