Abstract

Ninety-three adenoviruses were found in the MRC/PHLS survey of patients in general practice and eighty-eight in those admitted to hospital, types 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 being the most frequent ones isolated. The adenoviruses accounted for 11% and 12% of all viruses and were present in 2% and 4% of patients examined in these surveys. These agents were present at all times with slightly increased frequency in the first part of each year. Fever, pharyngitis and tonsillitis were the most frequent symptoms encountered.