Vaccination with live type 4 adenovirus: evaluation of antibody response and protective efficacy

Live type 4 adenovirus contained in enteric-coated tablets was given to 2628 military recruits. In two trials, the enteric adenovirus vaccine reduced febrile and afebrile adenovirus illness by about 90% or more. Moreover, a decided protective effect against subclinical adenovirus infection as evidenced by seroconversion was found. The antibody-stimulating effect of enteric adenovirus vaccine was not an adequate measure of its protective capacity. The neutralizing antibody response of recruits given vaccine was poor in comparison with the antibody response to naturally acquired infection with type 4 adenovirus. The latter response was related to the severity of infection. We are indebted to Colonel Dr B. J. W. Beunders, Head of the Division of Preventive Medicine of the Royal Netherlands Army, for granting us facilities to conduct this study and to Misses W. T. C. J. Smulders, E. M. J. C. Vallas, J. E. M. Dusseldorp and M. M. J. P. Keeris for their valuable technical assistance.