Nosocomial respiratory syncytial virus infection in a newborn nursery

The nosocomial spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was studied in a newborn nursery in Benin City, Nigeria at a time the virus was known to be highly prevalent in the community. Nasopharyngeal washings were obtained from babies on admission and, thereafter, every 4 days until discharged. Questionnaires were administered to medical personnel with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). RSV was detected by an ELISA technique. A total of 56 babies were studied, made up of 33 preterm and 23 full term babies. Fourteen of the 56 babies (25%) developed RSV infection. Eleven babies (20.8%) acquired the infection nosocomially. The infected babies were all symptomatic and some had significant morbidity. One preterm baby died following acquisition of RSV. The study demonstrated that medical personnel working in our newborn nursery were a major contributor to the spread of nosocomial RSV infection. Babies hospitalized for more than 4 weeks were more likely to acquire RSV infection. Control measures are outlined for the reduction of nosocomial spread of RSV infection in our newborn nursery.