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Rotavirus infection in a geriatric population
Archives of Internal Medicine
|February 1, 1982
Summary
A rotavirus outbreak caused severe gastroenteritis in geriatric patients, leading to two deaths. The study highlights rotavirus as a significant pathogen in healthcare settings, necessitating infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Geriatric wards are vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks.
- Gastroenteritis outbreaks can have severe consequences in elderly populations.
Observation:
- A 1980 outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in a geriatric ward over 3.5 weeks.
- The outbreak affected 19 of 34 patients and 4 of 23 staff members.
- Rotavirus infection was confirmed in symptomatic patients and staff, and detected in asymptomatic individuals.
Findings:
- Rotavirus was identified as the causative agent through virus positivity and antibody responses.
- Symptomatic patients experienced a mean of 2.6 days of diarrhea, with some severe cases and fatalities.
- High antibody titers to rotavirus were observed in symptomatic patients, indicating a robust immune response.
Implications:
- Rotavirus poses a significant threat to vulnerable geriatric populations.
- Effective infection control strategies are crucial in healthcare settings to prevent rotavirus spread.
- Further research into rotavirus prevention and management in elderly care facilities is warranted.