[Genetic characteristics of adenoviruses (Adenoviridae: Mastadenovirus) circulating among military personnel with respiratory infections during the 2023-2024 season in the Sverdlovsk Region].

UNLABELLED: The relevance of the conducted study is determined by the high epidemiological significance of adenovirus in the structure of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), particularly among military personnel. Previously, adenovirus was identified in 90% of cases of patients with community-acquired pneumonia hospitalised from organised military groups, leading to significant lung damage, various disabling complications, and possible fatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of adenoviruses detected in patients with respiratory infections among military personnel during the 2023-2024 influenza and ARVI epidemic season in the Sverdlovsk Region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sanger sequencing was performed for 79 clinical samples (nasopharyngeal swabs) that tested positive for adenovirus. The samples were collected from military personnel exhibiting symptoms of ARVI who were receiving treatment in military medical institutions in the Sverdlovsk Region during the 2023-2024 influenza and ARVI epidemic season (October to February).

RESULTS: Six genetic variants of adenovirus were identified: B3, B7, B14, B55, C2, and C5, with genotype B55 being predominant and associated with severe and moderately severe disease.

CONCLUSION: The study provides insight into the genetic diversity of adenoviruses circulating among military personnel in the Sverdlovsk Region during the 2023-2024 epidemic season. Genetic surveillance of circulating adenoviruses is essential for developing specific preventive measures, improving non-specific prevention methods, and identifying optimal drugs for aetiotropic therapy.