Outbreak of adenovirus serotype 8 conjunctivitis in preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Neonatal ophthalmology
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Public health in healthcare settings

Background:

• Adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis outbreaks are uncommon in preterm infants.
• An outbreak occurred in a Turkish university hospital's neonatal intensive care unit from January 15 to February 25.
• This event highlights potential risks in neonatal care environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the progression and investigation of an adenovirus conjunctivitis outbreak.
• To identify the source and risk factors contributing to the outbreak.
• To outline the management strategies employed to control the infection.

Main Methods:

• Adenovirus type 8 was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.
• A case-control study was conducted to pinpoint risk factors for infection.
• Infection source tracing focused on procedures within the neonatal intensive care unit.

Main Results:

• Fifteen preterm neonates, five healthcare workers, and four parents were affected by conjunctivitis.
• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examinations were identified as the primary risk factor (Odds Ratio: 17.5).
• Contamination was traced to the non-sterilized eyelid speculum (blepharostat) used during ROP examinations.

Conclusions:

• The outbreak was successfully controlled through enhanced infection control measures.
• Key interventions included barrier precautions, hand hygiene, and strict sterilization of the blepharostat.
• Suspending patient transfers and excluding infected healthcare workers were crucial for containment.