A Clinical features of Severe Adenovirus Pneumonia among Members of the Korea Military: A Case Series

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adenoviral diseases generally present as self-limiting upper respiratory illnesses. However, in some cases, adenovirus can cause fatal outcomes, even in healthy adults. Severe pneumonia caused by adenovirus in young soldiers at basic military training sites have been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with pneumonia who were hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of the Armed Forces Capital Hospital between January 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS: Nine patients with pneumonia who required ventilator treatment were analyzed. Adenovirus was proved to be the causative agent of the illness in six out of nine patients, three of whom died due to severe adenoviral pneumonia or adenovirus-related illness. Among these six patients, three were military trainees. Clinical features were characterized by fever (100%) and cough (100%). Other important findings included thrombocytopenia (83.3%), leukopenia (66.6%), and radiologically lobar consolidation (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus appeared to be the most important pathogen of young Korean soldiers, particularly among military trainees with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. Outbreak surveillance for adenovirus associated illness is necessary.