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Published on: November 7, 2018

Prospective study of etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in child care centers

Whitney H Lyman1, Joan F Walsh, Jonathan B Kotch

  • 1Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|September 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Viruses frequently cause acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks in childcare centers. Environmental contamination is common during these outbreaks, highlighting the need for effective disinfection strategies against multiple viruses.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks are common in childcare settings.
  • Identifying the causative agents of AGE in children is crucial for implementing effective control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific viral etiologies of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in North Carolina childcare centers.
  • To assess the role of environmental contamination in the transmission of gastroenteritis viruses within these facilities.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted on 29 outbreaks of AGE in childcare centers.
  • Stool specimens and environmental swabs were analyzed for common gastroenteritis viruses (adenovirus, astrovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus) using PCR and sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Single viruses caused 45% of the evaluated outbreaks, with rotavirus group A being the most frequent (17%).
  • Multiple viruses were detected in 10% of outbreaks.
  • Environmental contamination was detected in 59% of outbreaks, with viruses matching those found in stool samples in 45% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Viral pathogens are significant contributors to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in childcare settings.
  • Widespread environmental contamination observed during outbreaks underscores the importance of disinfection protocols.
Abstract

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