Adenovirus types 40 and 41 are enteric adenoviruses: they are associated with infection of the intestinal tract, especially in children. A stool result naming these types is more specific than the general word “adenovirus,” which also covers viruses associated with respiratory and eye illness.
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Why the type numbers matter
Types 40 and 41 can cause gastroenteritis, including diarrhea and sometimes vomiting or fever. They spread through fecal contamination. A respiratory adenovirus test and an enteric stool test examine different specimens and may cover different types, so their results are not interchangeable. [1]
What the GI-MAP result reports
The adenovirus 40/41 entry is a molecular target in the pathogen section. Detection means that the assay found targeted viral DNA in the stool sample; it does not establish that every current digestive symptom is caused by the virus. [3]
Can DNA remain after recovery?
Adenoviruses can be shed after a person feels better, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. For that reason, a positive stool PCR cannot by itself date the infection or determine exactly how contagious someone is. Symptom onset, immune status and the reason for testing matter. [2]
A negative result does not exclude other enteric viruses, bacteria or noninfectious causes of diarrhea. It also does not rule out an adenovirus infection at another body site.
What matters most during illness
Hydration and clinical condition matter more than the DNA quantity. Young children can become dehydrated quickly. Seek medical advice for persistent diarrhea or vomiting, poor intake or reduced urination; a seriously unwell or immunocompromised person needs prompt assessment. Do not wait for a repeat stool panel to judge whether urgent help is needed.
Common questions
Does this mean I have a bacterial infection?
No. Adenovirus is a virus. A positive adenovirus target is not a reason to choose an antibiotic.
Can I compare a nasal adenovirus test with this stool result?
Only with attention to the targets and collection sites. A negative nasal result does not automatically contradict enteric adenovirus DNA in stool.
Sources and review
Sources checked October 7, 2026. Manufacturer material describes the test; clinical guidance and research support the interpretation limits.
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Adenovirus 40 and 41
- CDC: Adenovirus
- Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory: GI-MAP interpretive guide (manufacturer specifications)
Medical review of this article is pending. For a correction or source question, contact GI MAP Test.