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Healthcare-associated rotavirus gastroenteritis in a large paediatric hospital in the UK

N A Cunliffe1, C Allan, S J Lowe

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology & Genitourinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. n.a.cunliffe@liv.ac.uk

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|October 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus significantly contributes to healthcare-associated gastroenteritis in hospitalized children, impacting nearly 19% of cases. Vaccination is a key strategy to prevent these infections in pediatric healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a primary cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children.
  • Its role in healthcare-associated pediatric gastroenteritis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and impact of rotavirus in healthcare-associated acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among hospitalized children.
  • To compare rotavirus rates in healthcare-associated versus community-acquired AGE.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted at a UK NHS Trust.
  • 243 hospitalized children with AGE were enrolled between January and May 2006.
  • Rotavirus was detected in fecal specimens using enzyme immunoassay.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus was identified in 19% (17/91) of healthcare-associated AGE cases.
  • Rotavirus accounted for 36% (54/152) of community-acquired AGE cases.
  • Sixteen children with healthcare-associated rotavirus gastroenteritis needed isolation, and eight required intravenous rehydration.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus is a significant etiological agent of healthcare-associated AGE in a major pediatric hospital.
  • Rotavirus vaccines offer a public health solution to mitigate symptomatic infections within healthcare environments.
  • Preventive strategies, including vaccination, are crucial for reducing rotavirus burden in pediatric healthcare settings.

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