Epidemiology and Prevention of Acute Respiratory Disease in Navy Recruits
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
by
ROBERT O. PECKINPAUGH, CAPTAIN MC USN
November 1971
Washington, D. C. 20315

Report to the Commission on Influenza
Armed Forces Epidemiological Board
Navy Research Project Nos. MF12.524.009-4013BE6I; M4305.12-5004AGG2;
M4305.12-5007BEG6

Surveillance of naval recruits for viral respiratory diseases at Great Lakes, Illinois and Orlando, Florida showed that the continued illness problems were caused mainly by adenovirus , types 4 or 7. A limited outbreak of B/Mass influenza virus was detected at Great Lakes. Rubella infections continue to occur in the low proportion of susceptible recruits even though they were distributed among an immune population (91%). A study of the best method and dosage for administration of influenza vaccine (Ao/PR-8) showed that the parenteral routes (intradermal and subcutaneous) produced more rapid and greater serum antibody titers than the intranasal route. The intradermal route was as effective as the intranasal method for stimulating nasal secretory antibodies. The intradermal route would appear to be the method of choice, since it produced the most optimal antibody responses with the least amount of antigenic mass. Live adenovirus, types 4 and 7 , vaccines of medium potency, when given in combination, were effective in reducing the incidence of febrile respiratory disease ( 40%), and adenovirus, type 4 infections (40-60%) when compared to non-vaccinated controls.

Subjects: Acute Respiratory Disease; Navy recruits; epidemiology; influenza; vaccination; immunization; rubella