BRONCHOPNEUMONIA WITH SERIOUS SEQUELAE IN CHILDREN WITH EVIDENCE OF ADENOVIRUS TYPE 21 INFECTION

Twenty-five cases of severe pneumonitis occurring among children aged 3 to 18 months were observed in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1965. An apparent relationship was established between a uniform disease picture and recovery of adenovirus type 21. Two died, and of the survivors 60% had permanent lung damage, probably resulting from obliterative bronchiolitis. Twenty per cent. were left with proved bronchiectasis. The possible relationships of adenovirus pneumonia to malnutrition or a genetic factor on the one hand and to the development of bronchiectasis on the other are discussed. © 1969, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.