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Monitoring rotavirus environmental contamination in a pediatric unit using polymerase chain reaction
H Soule1, O Genoulaz, B Gratacap-Cavallier
1Laboratoire de Virologie Médicale Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine Grenoble, France.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|July 8, 1999
Summary
Rotavirus contamination was found on nearly half of surfaces in a pediatric unit, especially those children touch, like thermometers and play mats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) effectively detected this environmental rotavirus RNA.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infectious disease surveillance
- Pediatric healthcare epidemiology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in young children.
- Environmental contamination plays a role in rotavirus transmission within healthcare settings.
- Effective monitoring methods are crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and distribution of rotavirus environmental contamination in a pediatric unit.
- To identify high-risk surfaces for rotavirus shedding.
- To evaluate the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rotavirus detection.
Main Methods:
- Environmental surface swabs were collected from a pediatric unit.
- Rotavirus was eluted from swabs, concentrated via ultracentrifugation.
- Viral RNA was detected and quantified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus RNA was detected in 25 out of 55 (46%) environmental samples.
- Contamination was significantly higher on surfaces with direct child contact (e.g., thermometers, play mats) compared to other surfaces.
- PCR demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting rotavirus in environmental samples.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus environmental contamination is common in pediatric units.
- Surfaces frequently touched by children represent key reservoirs for rotavirus.
- PCR is a valuable tool for monitoring rotavirus contamination and informing infection control strategies.