Population variability of serotype 3 adenoviruses circulating in the U.S.S.R

Composition analysis of natural populations of adenovirus serotype 3 (Ad 3) strains--based on samples selected out of 170 strains isolated in different regions of the U.S.S.R. from 1976 to 1981--has demonstrated their inhomogeneity with respect to cytopathogenicity and haemagglutination activity. The strains were classified into 3 groups: low, medium and highly cytopathic. The cytopathogenicity of the strains appeared to be a rather variable feature dependent on regional climate and on seasonal complexity. In summer low cytopathogenic viruses predominated. The epidemic activity of circulating adenoviruses (proportion of adenoviruses in the aetiology of acute respiratory disease) correlated with the level of their cytopathic activity.