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Incidence of RS virus infections in premature children's ward
Abstract:
In the course of two years (1974-76) four outbreaks of acute respiratory disease in the premature children's ward of a Prague hospital were studied virologically and clinically. RS virus (RSV) was found to be the aetiological agent. The highest isolation rate of RSV was achieved when using two heteroploid cell lines (L-132 and HEp-2 cells) simultaneously. Of the 30 children examined, 60% showed a severe course of disease (pneumonia and/or bronchiolitis) while in 40% of the children the disease had the form of rhinitis with striking abundance of whitish foamy secretions. In one of the outbreaks under study, two nurses with mild afebrile pharyngitis were detected as the source of RSV infection.
Insights
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) caused four outbreaks of acute respiratory illness in premature infants. Most infants experienced severe disease, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute respiratory disease poses a significant threat to premature infants.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the virology and clinical presentation of acute respiratory disease outbreaks in a premature children's ward.
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for the observed outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Virological and clinical study of four outbreaks over two years (1974-1976).
- Isolation of RSV using simultaneous culture on L-132 and HEp-2 cell lines.
- Clinical assessment of affected premature children.
Main Results:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) was identified as the causative agent.
- The highest RSV isolation rate was achieved using a combination of L-132 and HEp-2 cell lines.
- 60% of affected infants presented with severe disease (pneumonia/bronchiolitis), while 40% had rhinitis with foamy secretions.
- Two nurses with mild pharyngitis were identified as the source of one outbreak.
Conclusions:
- RSV is a significant pathogen causing severe respiratory illness in premature infants.
- Combined cell line cultures enhance RSV detection.
- Nosocomial transmission from healthcare workers can introduce RSV into vulnerable infant populations.