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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Screening of rotavirus and adenovirus infections during prolonged hospitalization in a neonatal unit
M Hällström1, T Vesikari, M Janas
1Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Routine screening for rotavirus and adenovirus in hospitalized infants is not recommended. However, viral diagnostic testing is crucial for neonates diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Rotavirus and adenovirus are common causes of gastroenteritis in infants.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition in neonates.
- The role of routine viral screening in hospitalized neonates is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of routine rotavirus and adenovirus screening in hospitalized neonates.
- To determine the prevalence of these viral infections in neonates, including those with NEC.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral detection.
Main Methods:
- A 15-month prospective study in a neonatal unit involving 308 hospitalized infants.
- Collection of 1020 stool samples weekly and at the onset of NEC symptoms.
- Testing for rotavirus and adenovirus using ELISA, with positive samples confirmed by PCR.
Main Results:
- ELISA identified five adenovirus-positive cases, all negative by PCR, indicating low specificity.
- Among 16 NEC cases, one was positive for adenovirus and one for rotavirus by PCR.
- The rotavirus-positive NEC case had concurrent Candida albicans septicemia.
Conclusions:
- Routine screening for rotavirus and adenovirus in hospitalized neonates is not clinically beneficial.
- Viral diagnostic examinations are recommended for neonates presenting with necrotizing enterocolitis.
- PCR is a more reliable method for confirming viral gastroenteritis in this population.
Unlabelled:
Rotavirus and adenovirus infections in 308 infants hospitalized for longer than 1 wk, and cases with necrotizing enterocolitis, were screened in a neonatal unit during a 15 mo period, covering two rotavirus epidemics in the community. Altogether, 1020 stool samples were collected weekly until hospital discharge, and in necrotizing enterocolitis cases at the onset of symptoms, and tested for rotavirus and adenovirus by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The positive samples were further analysed by polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed five adenovirus-positive cases, which were tested negative by polymerase chain reaction. Out of 16 necrotizing enterocolitis cases, one was adenovirus- and another rotavirus positive when tested by polymerase chain reaction, the latter having a concomitant Candida albicans septicaemia.
Conclusion:
Routine rotavirus and adenovirus screening in hospitalized neonates seems to be unnecessary. Viral diagnostic examinations should be considered in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis.
