Resurgence of Human Adenovirus Infections in the Korean Military Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

초록

Background: The study investigates the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the resurgence of human adenovirus (HAdV) infections among Korean military personnel following the easing of the coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions, with a focus on serotype distribution and healthcare utilization. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 450 laboratory-confirmed HAdV cases identified between January 2023 and July 2024. We retrieved data from the New Defense Medical Information System and performed serotyping on a subset of samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Results: HAdV cases increased sharply beginning in late 2023 and peaked in July 2024. Serotyping revealed a significant shift: HAdV-14 accounted for 98.8% of typed cases, replacing the historically dominant HAdV-55. Most patients presented with respiratory symptoms, although gastrointestinal symptoms were also common. Co-infections occurred in 7.3% of cases. 26.2% of patients required hospitalization, with a mean stay of 7.4 days. One patient required intensive care. Conclusion: This study highlights the resurgence and serotype shift of HAdV infections in a military population, reflecting post-pandemic viral dynamics. The findings underscore the need for continuous molecular surveillance and strengthened preparedness strategies in congregate military settings.

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