Treatment of adenovirus infections in the immunocompromised host.

Adenovirus infections are increasing as causes of morbidity and mortality in severely immunocompromised patients. The currently available antiviral agents, ribavirin and cidofovir, have yielded mixed results in case reports and small case series. Similar to cytomegalovirus disease, established adenovirus disease is often difficult to treat. Therapy may yield poor results, even when effective antiviral drugs are used. New strategies, including pre-emptive therapy, should be tested in prospective, clinical trials. New agents and adoptive transfer of specific T-cells to adenovirus might improve the current situation.