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Nosocomial transmission of rotavirus infection

R Cone1, K Mohan, M Thouless

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|February 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated rotavirus infections in hospitalized infants. Findings suggest that while rotavirus is common, infected roommates are not the primary source of hospital-acquired infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a significant cause of gastroenteritis in infants.
  • Understanding transmission routes of nosocomial rotavirus is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and transmission patterns of rotavirus in hospitalized infants.
  • To assess the role of roommates in the spread of nosocomial rotavirus.

Main Methods:

  • Infants admitted to a pediatric ward were screened for rotavirus antigen.
  • Screening occurred at admission and every 4 days during hospitalization.
  • Rotavirus isolates were subgrouped using monoclonal antibodies.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus was detected in 16.2% of infants (51/315).
  • 27 cases were nosocomial (hospital-acquired), with incidence increasing with length of stay.
  • Physicians were less likely to suspect rotavirus in nosocomial cases compared to community-acquired cases.
  • Only 11 of 27 nosocomial acquisitions were linked to a positive roommate, with differing subgroups in 4 instances.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus infection is a notable nosocomial risk for hospitalized infants.
  • Direct transmission from infected roommates appears to be a minor contributor to nosocomial rotavirus spread.
  • Further research into other transmission pathways is warranted.

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