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Nosocomial viral infections: I. Epidemiology and significance
Abstract:
Viral illnesses in Strong Memorial Hospital were monitored over a 17-month period. Using criteria based primarily on the incubation periods for a number of common virus infections, the infections we found were classified as hospital- or community-acquired. Hospital-acquired viral infections occurred on most hospital services; the majority of infections occurred on the pediatric and psychiatric services. Infections due to herpesviruses were seen more frequently in a group of patients aged 14 years or older, while infections in patients aged three years or younger were more likely to be due to respiratory syncytial virus, influenzavirus, adenovirus, or parainfluenza virus. Patients with nosocomial infections due to viruses were hospitalized an average of 9.3 days longer than uninfected controls; thus nosocomial viral infections result in increased costs of hospitalization.
Insights
Hospital-acquired viral infections, including herpesviruses and common respiratory viruses, prolong hospital stays and increase costs. Monitoring viral illnesses is crucial for patient care and hospital resource management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Viral infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings.
- Understanding the sources and types of viral illnesses is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor viral illnesses in a hospital setting over a 17-month period.
- To differentiate between hospital-acquired and community-acquired viral infections.
- To identify patient demographics and specific viral agents associated with hospital-acquired infections.
Main Methods:
- Viral illnesses were monitored over 17 months.
- Infections were classified as hospital- or community-acquired based on incubation periods.
- Patient age and viral types were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hospital-acquired viral infections were prevalent across most hospital services, particularly pediatrics and psychiatry.
- Herpesvirus infections were more common in older patients (≥14 years).
- Younger patients (≤3 years) frequently acquired respiratory syncytial virus, influenzavirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus.
- Patients with nosocomial viral infections had an average 9.3-day longer hospitalization compared to uninfected controls.
Conclusions:
- Nosocomial viral infections lead to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs.
- Age-specific patterns exist for viral infections in hospitalized patients.
- Effective strategies are needed to prevent and control viral transmission within hospitals.