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Nosocomial respiratory syncytial virus infections in children's wards
G Mlinaric-Galinovic1, D Varda-Brkic
1Department of Microbiology, A. Stampar School of Public Health, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 4, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia. gordana.mlinaric-galinovic@med-fakzg.tel.hr
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes common hospital infections in children. Implementing staff education and strict droplet precautions significantly reduces RSV cross-infection rates in pediatric wards.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections in pediatric wards.
- RSV cross-infection rates range from 30-70% in neonatal units and 20-40% in pediatric wards.
- Infections often manifest as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of RSV nosocomial infections.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and specific therapy for high-risk children.
- To present strategies for reducing RSV transmission in hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on RSV nosocomial infection rates.
- Discussion of diagnostic methods, including rapid RSV detection.
- Outline of preventive measures such as staff education and droplet precautions.
Main Results:
- Nosocomial RSV infections are frequent in pediatric settings.
- Early diagnosis via rapid detection is feasible.
- Specific therapy is recommended for high-risk RSV-positive children with LRTI.
Conclusions:
- RSV nosocomial infections can be significantly reduced to a few percent.
- Effective strategies include comprehensive staff education on viral transmission.
- Adherence to pediatric droplet precautions is crucial for prevention.
Abstract:
During community outbreak, nosocomial infections caused by both groups (A and B) of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) occur as the most common nosocomial infections at pediatric wards. RSV cross-infection is considered to have taken place when a child acquires an infection after being in the ward longer than 7 days, and its frequency at the ward could be calculated in several ways. That frequency ranges worldwide between 30% and 70% in neonatal units, and between 20% and 40% at pediatric wards. The infections are manifested as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in 20-60% and 30-40% of cases, respectively. These infections could be early diagnosed by an RSV rapid detection method. In RSV-positive children who develop LRTI and belong to the category with a high risk of developing severe RSV disease, a specific therapy is recommended. The frequency of RSV nosocomial infections at children's wards could be considerably reduced (to only a few per cent) by providing education to hospital personnel in the etiology and transmission of respiratory viruses and by compliance with pediatric droplet precautions (cohort nursing, and gown and glove wearing/handwashing in any contact with infected children).