Prevalence of antibodies to adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7 among unimmunizedUS Army trainees: Results of a retrospective nationwide seroprevalence survey

The 1996 production halt of adenovirus types 4 and 7 vaccines prompted conc erns about the resurgence of large respiratory disease outbreaks among US m ilitary basic trainees. This serosurvey was conducted to assess the current susceptibility of the trainee population to these viruses. A stratified, r andom sample (n = 303) of trainees' sera was tested using a quantitative co lorimetric microneutralization assay to demonstrate antibody titers conside red to provide immunologic protection against each adenovirus type. Results were analyzed for relationships between susceptibility and 4 demographic f actors-gender, race, prior military service, and age, Results showed that 6 6% and 73% of trainees were susceptible to serotypes 4 and 7, respectively. Nearly 90% were susceptible to at least one serotype, Susceptibility was s ignificantly (P <.05) related to lack of prior military service and younger age. Consistent with a serosurvey conducted 20 years ago, these results de monstrated significant susceptibility to two vaccine-preventable causes of disease. These findings may have civilian implications.