Nosocomial viral infections: recent developments and new strategies

Surveillance studies generally have underestimated the importance of viruses in the pathogenesis of nosocomial respiratory tract infections. The development of rapid, sensitive and reliable diagnostic techniques has permitted documentation of viral respiratory pathogens and has led to increased understanding of the epidemiology of these organisms in the hospital. These advances are exemplified by studies of respiratory syncytial virus infections in hospitalized children. The pulmonary sequelae of RSV infection are particularly serious in neonates and in children with underlying cardiopulmonary disease or immunodeficiency. Virus is spread by direct hand contact with the secretions of infected patients or with contaminated objects in the patients' environment. Personnel may infect themselves by rubbing their eyes or nose with contaminated hands, thus becoming vectors in the transmission of RSV to patients under their care. Compliance with contact precautions, which requires the use of gloves and gown, dramatically reduces the incidence of nosocomial RSV infection. When children do become ill, ribavirin may ameliorate the disease. Immunological approaches to treatment and prevention are being examined.