GENOME ANALYSIS OF ADENOVIRUS-4 ISOLATED OVER A 6 YEAR PERIOD

Genome analysis was carried out on 74 adenovirus 4 (Ad4) isolates from patients in Manchester between 1984 and 1989. Most of the isolates were associated with conjunctivitis. Of the 74 isolates studied, 51 were Ad4a and 10 were Ad4p (the prototype strain). The remaining isolates consisted of two new genome types we have designated Ad4a2 (10 isolates) and Ad4a3 (3 isolates). Most of the genome types co-circulated during the period of study. The Bst E II and Xho I restriction maps of the new variants are presented and compared with those of Ad4p. We are unable to associate genome types with particular clinical presentations.