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Nosocomial transmission of echovirus 30: molecular evidence by phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 encoding sequence
J L Bailly1, A Béguet, M Chambon
1UFR Médecine, Laboratoire de Virologie, F-63002, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France. j-luc.bailly@u-clermont1.fr
Abstract:
We investigated six cases of enterovirus infection in a neonatal unit. The index patient, a 5-day-old boy, was admitted with aseptic meningitis due to echovirus 30 (E30). Secondary infections with E30 occurred in five babies. Comparison of the complete VP1 sequences showed that the isolates recovered from the index patient and his mother were closely related to those recovered from the five babies with secondary infections, demonstrating a nosocomial transmission of the virus. In the phylogenetic tree reconstructed from the VP1 sequences, the isolates formed a monophyletic cluster related to an E30 strain collected in June 1997 during an outbreak of aseptic meningitis.
Insights
Nosocomial transmission of echovirus 30 (E30) occurred in a neonatal unit, affecting six infants. Genetic analysis confirmed the spread originated from the index patient, highlighting the importance of infection control in neonatal settings.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Enterovirus infections, particularly echovirus 30 (E30), pose a risk in neonatal units.
- Aseptic meningitis is a serious complication of enterovirus infections in newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transmission dynamics of echovirus 30 (E30) in a neonatal unit.
- To identify the source and spread of E30 infection among neonates.
Main Methods:
- Case series investigation of six enterovirus-infected neonates.
- Viral isolation and complete VP1 gene sequencing of echovirus 30 (E30).
- Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 sequences to determine viral relatedness.
Main Results:
- Six cases of E30 infection were identified in a neonatal unit.
- The index patient was a 5-day-old boy with aseptic meningitis.
- Genetic sequencing confirmed nosocomial transmission from the index patient and his mother to five other babies.
Conclusions:
- Echovirus 30 (E30) transmission was confirmed within the neonatal unit.
- Phylogenetic analysis linked the outbreak strain to a previously documented E30 outbreak.
- Strict infection control measures are crucial in neonatal intensive care units to prevent viral spread.