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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Respiratory syncytial virus outbreak on an adult stem cell transplant unit
Sean G Kelly1, Kristen Metzger2, Maureen K Bolon3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
Background:
An increase in respiratory syncytial virus type B (RSV-B) infections was detected on an adult hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant unit during March 2015. This prompted an outbreak investigation.
Methods:
Nosocomial cases were defined as RSV-B-positive patients who developed respiratory virus symptoms ≥ 7 days after admission to the unit or were readmitted with symptoms ≤ 7 days since last discharge from the unit. Strict outbreak control measures were implemented to stop the outbreak.
Results:
During the outbreak, 19 cases of RSV-B were detected, 14 among patients and 5 among health care workers (HCWs). Additionally, 2 HCWs tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus type A and 1 tested positive for influenza B among the 27 symptomatic HCWs evaluated. No specific antiviral therapy was given and all cases recovered without progression to lower respiratory tract infection. After no new cases were identified for 2 weeks, the outbreak was declared over.
Conclusions:
High vigilance for respiratory viruses on high-risk inpatient units is required for detection and prevention of potential outbreaks. Multiple respiratory viruses with outbreak potential were identified among HCWs. HCWs with respiratory virus symptoms should not provide direct patient care. Absence of lower respiratory tract infection suggests lower virulence of RSV-B, compared with respiratory syncytial virus type A, among immunocompromised adults.
Insights
An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus type B (RSV-B) occurred in an adult hematology/oncology unit. Vigilance and prompt control measures contained the RSV-B outbreak, highlighting the need for monitoring respiratory viruses in high-risk settings.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- An increase in respiratory syncytial virus type B (RSV-B) infections was observed in March 2015 on an adult hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant unit.
- This increase prompted an investigation into a potential nosocomial outbreak.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of RSV-B on a high-risk inpatient unit.
- To identify the scope of the outbreak and implement control measures.
- To understand the characteristics of RSV-B infections in immunocompromised adults.
Main Methods:
- Defined nosocomial RSV-B cases based on symptom onset and admission/discharge dates.
- Implemented strict outbreak control measures.
- Monitored patient and healthcare worker (HCW) infections, including other respiratory viruses.
Main Results:
- Nineteen cases of RSV-B were detected: 14 patients and 5 HCWs.
- Two HCWs tested positive for RSV-A, and one for influenza B.
- All cases recovered without progression to lower respiratory tract infection; the outbreak was declared over after 2 weeks with no new cases.
Conclusions:
- High vigilance for respiratory viruses on inpatient units is crucial for outbreak detection and prevention.
- HCWs can harbor and transmit multiple respiratory viruses; symptomatic HCWs should not provide direct patient care.
- RSV-B may exhibit lower virulence than RSV-A in immunocompromised adults, as evidenced by the absence of lower respiratory tract infections.
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