PATTERNS OF ADENOVIRUS INFECTION IN RESPIRATORY DISEASES OF NAVAL RECRUITS - A LONGDITUDINAL STUDY OF 2 COMPANIES OF NAVAL RECRUITS

Abstract

The major emphasis of this investigation was the elucidation of the exact role played by adenovirus in the total respiratory illness of 2 recruit companies. In order to obtain this information, longitudinal observations were made of the respiratory illness affecting a winter and a summer training company. Clinical specimens for virus isolation and antibody titration were also obtained longitudinally. This investigation has demonstrated that the highest incidence of acute respiratory disease occurred within 2 weeks after the recruits'' arrival at the training center. Adenovirus accounted for only a small percentage of the total illness, and such disease was for the most part mild. Despite this, febrile adenovirus disease accounted for almost 50% of the sick call visits and was significantly more apt to be reported than febrile nonadenovirus respiratory disease. Although the quantity of respiratory illness was the same in both companies, its quality varied: the more severe illness occurred more frequently in the winter than in the summer study. The clinical features of type 4 adenovirus disease as analyzed in this study could not be considered very specific and were often present in nonadenovirus disease. Adenovirus is excreted from the pharynx for a brief period of time in asymptomatic persons and in the feces for prolonged periods following an acute adenovirus respiratory disease. A non-specific respiratory disease may render a particular individual susceptible to subsequent adenovirus disease.