Latency

While the herpesviruses (HSV, CMV, VZV) are all well known for latency, adenovirus can also form a latent infection in the lymphoid tissue. In 50 to 80% of surgically removed tonsils or adenoids, adenovirus can be cultured. The virus has also been cultured from mesenteric lymph nodes, and, in rare cases, viral DNA has been detected in peripheral lymphocytes. Recurrent illness usually does not arise from these latent infections; however, activation can occur in the immunosuppressed.