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Predictors of sub-clinical enterovirus infections in infants: a prospective cohort study

Elisabet Witsø1, Ondrej Cinek, Magne Aldrin

  • 1Department of Genes and Environment, Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. elwi@novonordisk.com

International Journal of Epidemiology
|November 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding protects infants from enterovirus infections, with protection decreasing with age. Siblings, especially those in daycare, increase infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Enterovirus infections are common in infants, often asymptomatic.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of breastfeeding on enterovirus infections in infants.
  • To identify other significant determinants of enterovirus infection risk.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study of 639 Norwegian infants (3-12 months).
  • Monthly stool samples analyzed for enterovirus RNA.
  • Parental questionnaires collected data on feeding and household factors.
  • Multivariable logistic regression with random effects was used.

Main Results:

  • Enterovirus prevalence was 11.1%.
  • Increased breastfeeding frequency correlated with decreased infection risk, most potent at 3 months.
  • Siblings, particularly those in daycare, and increased exposure to children elevated risk.
  • Well water and pet ownership showed potential associations.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding offers protection against enterovirus infections in infants.
  • The protective effect of breastfeeding diminishes with infant age and increases with milk intake.
  • Environmental and household factors also influence infection risk.
Abstract

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