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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
A two year prospective study of hospital-acquired respiratory virus infection on paediatric wards
Insights
Hospital-acquired respiratory virus infections are common in pediatric wards, especially among toddlers in open wards. Children with underlying health conditions are most vulnerable, with nearly 20% experiencing croup or lower respiratory illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Respiratory Virology
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk to vulnerable pediatric populations.
- Respiratory viruses are a common cause of morbidity in hospitalized children.
- Understanding transmission patterns is crucial for infection control in pediatric settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of hospital-acquired respiratory virus infections in pediatric wards.
- To identify risk factors and common pathogens associated with these infections.
- To assess the clinical impact of hospital-acquired respiratory infections on pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective investigation of 169 cases of possible hospital-acquired respiratory virus infection over 24 months across six pediatric wards.
- Viral isolation and identification using laboratory techniques.
- Clinical data collection on patient demographics, underlying conditions, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- A variety of respiratory viruses were isolated from 82 cases, with respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, and rhinoviruses being most frequent.
- An additional 73 children developed respiratory symptoms, presumed to be hospital-acquired, though viruses were not detected.
- Acquired infections were more common in toddlers in open wards, and children with trauma, congenital malformations, or other significant health issues were at higher risk.
- Nearly 20% of infected children developed croup or lower respiratory tract illness, with this figure rising to 41% for infants under 12 months.
- While most infections resolved quickly, some led to delays in medical investigations or surgical procedures.
Conclusions:
- Hospital-acquired respiratory virus infections represent a substantial burden in pediatric wards, particularly affecting young children and those with pre-existing vulnerabilities.
- Effective infection control strategies, especially for toddlers in open ward settings, are essential to mitigate transmission.
- The clinical consequences, including respiratory illness and procedural delays, highlight the importance of preventing these infections in hospitalized children.
Abstract:
Over a 24 month period on six paediatric wards of different designs 169 cases of possible hospital-acquired respiratory virus infection were investigated. A variety of viruses was isolated from 82 cases, the most common being respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses and rhinoviruses. A further 73 children developed respiratory symptoms between 3 and 300 days after administration but viruses were not demonstrable by the techniques used. These children were thought to have hospital-acquired infection nonetheless. Thirteen children were shown not to have acquired infection as the cause of their intercurrent illness. Most acquired infections occurred where toddlers were in cots in open wards. Children with trauma, including non-accidental injury, congenital malformations, mental retardation, failure to thrive or neoplasia were most likely to become infected. Almost 20% of children suffered from croup or lower respiratory tract illness as a result of their acquired infection. The figure was 41% if those less than 12 months old were considered alone. Most episodes settled quickly but in a few children investigations or surgery were delayed for a few days.
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