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Outbreak of parainfluenza virus type 3 in a neonatal nursery
N Singh-Naz1, M Willy, N Riggs
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Abstract:
Human parainfluenza type 3 is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia after respiratory syncytial virus. In a recent outbreak of nosocomial respiratory illness in a neonatal intensive care unit, parainfluenza type 3 virus was isolated in 6 of 17 neonates cultured (5 symptomatic patients and 1 asymptomatic patient). Eighteen of 52 nursing personnel had been ill during the previous week and concomitantly, with cough and nasal congestion. These personnel and all patient care givers were asked to submit nasopharyngeal cultures. Parainfluenza type 3 virus was recovered from 2. Glove and gown barriers and cohorting of infant patients limited further spread of the disease.
Insights
Human parainfluenza type 3 caused a nosocomial outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit. Infection control measures like glove and gown barriers, and patient cohorting, successfully limited its spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human parainfluenza type 3 (HPIV3) is a significant respiratory pathogen, particularly in infants.
- HPIV3 is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, second only to respiratory syncytial virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of nosocomial respiratory illness in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- To identify the causative agent and assess the effectiveness of infection control interventions.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngeal cultures were collected from neonates and healthcare personnel in the NICU.
- Viral isolation and identification were performed on collected samples.
- Epidemiological data on illness among staff and patients were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Human parainfluenza type 3 virus was identified in 6 out of 17 neonates cultured, with 5 showing symptoms.
- The virus was also recovered from 2 healthcare personnel.
- Implementation of glove and gown barriers and infant patient cohorting was associated with reduced disease transmission.
Conclusions:
- Human parainfluenza type 3 can cause nosocomial outbreaks in vulnerable neonatal populations.
- Standard infection control practices, including barrier precautions and cohorting, are effective in controlling the spread of HPIV3 in healthcare settings.