What is the Difference Between Adenovirus and Influenza Virus

The main difference between adenovirus and influenza virus is that adenovirus contains a double-stranded DNA genome, whereas influenza virus contains a single-stranded RNA genome. 

Adenovirus and influenza virus are two viruses that cause infections in humans. Both cause respiratory illness. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Adenovirus
– Definition, Structure, Importance
2. What is Influenza Virus
– Definition, Structure, Importance
3. Similarities Between Adenovirus and Influenza Virus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Adenovirus and Influenza Virus
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Adenovirus, Influenza Virus

What is Adenovirus

Adenovirus is a medium-sized DNA virus with an icosahedral protein capsid. Its genome contains double-stranded DNA. However, it does not have an envelope. The size of the adenovirus is 90-100 nm. Its icosahedral capsid contains 240 hexon proteins. The genome of the adenovirus is linear and non-segmented. The size of the genome is 26 to 48 kb. Also, it is a pathogenic virus with many hosts, including vertebrates. It causes a wide range of illnesses, including mild respiratory infections in children and life-threatening, multi-organ diseases in people with a weakened immune system. There are more than 50 serotypes of adenoviruses causing various illnesses.

Figure 1: Adenovirus

Furthermore, the genome of adenovirus contains 22-40 genes. Its viral particles enter the host cell through endosomes. Adenovirus also has a high efficiency of infection. However, its DNA does not integrate into the genome of the host. 

What is Influenza Virus

Influenza virus is another type of virus that causes respiratory illness. It contains a negative-sense, single-stranded DNA virus. Therefore, the genome of the influenza virus serves as the template for mRNA synthesis. Also, the influenza genome is segmented. It encodes nine major proteins. Also, the symptoms of the influenza virus include fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, headache, coughing, and fatigue. Symptoms occur one to four days after the infection. It causes diarrhea and vomiting in children. Subsequent bacterial infection can cause pneumonia. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, encephalitis, meningitis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease are the other complications of the influenza virus.

Figure 2: Influenza Virus Nomenclature

Moreover, influenza viruses A, B, C, and D are the four types. Aquatic birds serve as the primary source of the influenza A virus. It is also widespread in mammals, including humans and pigs. Both influenza B and C viruses infect humans. Cattle and pigs show influenza D virus infections. Meanwhile, influenza A and B viruses show seasonal epidemics. 

Similarities Between Adenovirus and Influenza Virus

• Adenovirus and influenza virus are two viruses that cause infections in humans.
• Both cause respiratory illness. 

Difference Between Adenovirus and Influenza Virus

Definition

Adenovirus refers to any of a group of DNA viruses first discovered in adenoid tissue, most of which cause respiratory diseases. In contrast, influenza virus refers to an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system.

Genome

Adenovirus contains a double-stranded DNA genome, while influenza virus contains a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. 

Segmented Genome

The adenovirus genome is non-segmented, while the influenza genome is segmented. 

Envelope

Adenovirus is a non-enveloped virus, while influenza virus is an enveloped virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of adenovirus include fever, sore throat, a congested, runny nose, and a cough, while symptoms of influenza virus include fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.

Conclusion

In brief, adenovirus and influenza virus are two viruses that cause respiratory illness in humans. Adenovirus contains a double-stranded DNA genome. Also, it is a non-enveloped virus. The symptoms caused by adenovirus include fever, sore throat, runny nose, and cough. In comparison, the influenza virus contains a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. However, it is an enveloped virus. The symptoms of influenza virus include fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Therefore, the main difference between adenovirus and influenza virus is their genome. 

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, December 15). Symptoms of adenovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, October 24). Key facts about influenza (flu). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Adv-D26 7-24-2021 1 ps” By Dr. Victor Padilla-Sanchez – Own work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Influenza nomenclature” By Burschik – Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia