Adenovirus infections in Manitoba

This review of adenovirus infections in Manitoba over a five-year period is introduced with a brief presentation on the structure-function relationships of the adenoviruses. Extensive research has resulted in the accumulation of a great deal of basic information, far surpassing our knowledge about the infections that these viruses produce in man. More research is needed on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of these diseases, including methods for prevention and treatment, and earlier methods of diagnosis.Features of 216 adenovirus respiratory infections diagnosed from 1963 to 1967 are reviewed and presented. All infections were diagnosed by showing a four-fold or greater increase. In addition, an adenovirus was isolated from many of the infections. These infections occurred every year in substantial numbers and they were seen during each month of the year, although they were more frequent and severe in the winter. Infants and younger persons were often affected. The most severe disease was a pneumonitis which occurred mainly in infants. Associated symptoms usually arose from the gastrointestinal tract, and were sufficiently common to indicate that one should suspect an adenovirus infection when respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms occur together in a child.The possible role of adenoviruses in the etiology of other than respiratory diseases is discussed and the features of 96 possible non-respiratory infections are presented. Further work will be required to establish a definite etiologic role of the adenoviruses in most of these infections.