Immunization by selective infection with type 4 adenovirus grown in human diploid tissue culture. II. specific protective effect against epidemic disease

Abstract

Type 4 adenovirus, grown in human diploid fibroblast cultures, was given in enteric-coated capsules to Marine recruits at Parris Island, SC, where naturally occurring adenovirus infection was uncommon. A selective intestinal infection which was silent and associated with the development of moderate levels of neutralizing antibody developed in the recruits given virus. Infection did not spread to susceptible contacts who were given placebo capsules. When the recruits were transferred to Camp Lejeune, NC, where type 4 adenovirus infection was epidemic, prior enteric type 4 virus infection was shown to be highly effective in preventing acute respiratory-tract disease caused by type 4 adenovirus.