Viruses Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections

Abstract
Between 1 Dec. 1961 and 30 April 1963 nose and throat swabs or throat swabs alone were examined from 334 patients with acute respiratory infections who were either admitted to the hospital or seen by their general practitioners, or who volunteered to report every time they had a cold. Viruses or [beta]-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from 137 (41%) of the 334 patients. Some patients had double infections. The population studied contained a high proportion of children and did not represent a true cross-section of the general population. A number of clear-cut epidemics were observed. Adenovirus type 21 was associated with severe infections and caused 1 death.