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A Nosocomial Outbreak Caused by Human Rhinovirus Species A Type 61 in a Welfare Facility in Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Ryo Shimada1, Hiroyuki Tsukagoshi1, Rina Kubota1
1Department of Health Science, Gunma Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Japan.
Abstract:
Human rhinovirus (HRV) infections are generally referred to as the common cold, and are the main cause of mild symptoms. HRV is less frequently implicated in the development of severe respiratory infections. This study reports a nosocomial outbreak of bronchitis and pneumonia caused by HRV in a hospital during the COVID-19 epidemic in September 2022 in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The patient continued to be symptomatic for nine days. During this outbreak, all 15 residents displayed respiratory symptoms. HRV-A was detected in 12 of the 12 samples, and phylogenetic analysis classified the strain as HRV-A type 61. HRV, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections cannot be differentiated based solely on clinical symptoms. A surveillance system to monitor them is thus needed.
Insights
A hospital outbreak of human rhinovirus (HRV) caused severe respiratory illness, including bronchitis and pneumonia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the need for better surveillance to distinguish HRV from other infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human rhinovirus (HRV) typically causes mild common cold symptoms.
- HRV is infrequently associated with severe respiratory infections.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has increased focus on respiratory illness surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a nosocomial outbreak of HRV infection.
- To identify the HRV type involved in the outbreak.
- To emphasize the need for differentiating HRV from other respiratory pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Case study of a hospital outbreak in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
- Clinical observation of respiratory symptoms in 15 residents.
- Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of HRV from patient samples.
Main Results:
- A nosocomial outbreak of bronchitis and pneumonia caused by HRV-A type 61 occurred in September 2022.
- All 15 residents exhibited respiratory symptoms, with HRV-A detected in 12 samples.
- Patients remained symptomatic for up to nine days.
Conclusions:
- HRV can cause severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia, in a hospital setting.
- Clinical symptoms alone are insufficient to differentiate HRV, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections.
- Enhanced surveillance systems are crucial for monitoring and managing respiratory viral outbreaks.
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