Genome type analysis of adenovirus 37 isolates

Seventy-six strains of adenovirus type 37 (AV37), isolated during a period of 10 years from 73 patients on three continents, were analysed with eight DNA restriction endonucleases. Strains identical with the prototype (56 strains) prevailed; four deviating genome types were found, which differed only slightly from the prototype, with one exception. Half of the strains were tested in detail by neutralisation and haemagglutination inhibition. Minor differences in neutralisation were not reflected by differences in DNA restriction patterns. In comparison to genome types of other subgenera, field strains of adenovirus 37 showed only a moderate genetic variability.