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Selected nosocomial viral infections
1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, New Britain.
Abstract:
A nosocomial viral infection is defined as a viral infection the onset of which occurs when the patient has been hospitalized longer than the incubation period of the virus. Viruses account for about 5% of all nosocomial infections. Viral cross-infection is most common in infants and children but also occurs in other groups, including the elderly, institutionalized persons of all ages, immunocompromised hosts, and patients with underlying chronic pulmonary, renal, or cardiac disease. These infections are associated with extended length of hospital stay and considerable morbidity and mortality. The spectrum of nosocomial viruses is wide and includes blood-borne, respiratory tract, and enteric pathogens, among others. This review will discuss the clinical characteristics, transmission, and control of the common nosocomial respiratory viruses: respiratory syncytial virus, varicella zoster virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and rubeola.
Insights
Nosocomial viral infections, often acquired during hospitalization, pose risks to vulnerable populations. This review focuses on common respiratory viruses, their transmission, and control strategies to improve patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Nosocomial viral infections are hospital-acquired viral illnesses occurring after the incubation period.
- Viruses constitute approximately 5% of all hospital-acquired infections.
- These infections disproportionately affect vulnerable groups like infants, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical characteristics, transmission routes, and control measures for common nosocomial respiratory viruses.
- To highlight the impact of these infections on hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature on nosocomial viral respiratory infections.
- The review focuses on specific viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, varicella zoster virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and rubeola.
Main Results:
- Viral cross-infections are prevalent in pediatric and elderly populations, as well as in immunocompromised patients and those with chronic conditions.
- Nosocomial viral infections are linked to prolonged hospital stays and increased patient mortality.
- The spectrum of nosocomial viruses includes respiratory, blood-borne, and enteric pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Effective control strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of nosocomial respiratory viral infections.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is key to preventing viral cross-contamination in healthcare settings.
- Further research and implementation of infection control protocols are necessary to reduce the burden of these infections.