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Description of an adenovirus type 8 outbreak in hospitalized neonates born prematurely
P A Piedra1, J A Kasel, H J Norton
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Insights
Adenovirus (Ad) type 8 outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units can cause significant respiratory illness in premature infants. This study links Ad infection to increased lung disease and longer hospital stays for vulnerable neonates.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Adenovirus (Ad) type 8 outbreaks pose a risk in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Understanding Ad infection impact on neonates is crucial for infection control and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate an Adenovirus type 8 outbreak in a NICU.
- To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Ad-infected neonates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of an Adenovirus type 8 outbreak in a NICU.
- Weekly viral cultures of nasopharyngeal secretions and daily clinical data collection.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics between infected and non-infected neonates.
Main Results:
- Eleven of 112 neonates were infected with Adenovirus type 8.
- Ad-infected neonates had earlier gestations and lower birth weights.
- Infected infants experienced more respiratory symptoms, required more respiratory support, and had higher rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus type 8 infection is associated with significant lung disease in premature neonates.
- Ad infection can lead to prolonged NICU stays and increased respiratory complications.
- Early identification and management of Ad infections are critical in NICU settings.
Abstract:
An adenovirus (Ad) type 8 outbreak was prospectively studied in a neonatal intensive care unit. Nasopharyngeal secretions were cultured weekly for viruses and clinical information was obtained daily in each infant. Eleven of 112 neonates were infected with Ad; 8 of 9 available isolates represented one variant of Ad 8. The median age at infection was 54 days and the median duration of virus shedding was 2 days. Seven of 11 infants had onset of new symptoms and/or required acute respiratory support; only 2 infants had eye disease. Maternal characteristics, race, gender, age at entry into study and respiratory distress syndrome at birth were similar for both groups. Ad-infected infants tended to have earlier gestations and lower birth weights. Ad-infected neonates stayed longer in the neonatal intensive care unit, required more days of respiratory support and were more likely to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Thus an association was established between lung disease in premature neonates and Ad infection.