Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
Published on: April 14, 2011
Why diagnose influenza infections in hospitalized pediatric patients?
1Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, University of Southern California School of Medicine.
Abstract:
The advent of rapid diagnostic testing for respiratory syncytial virus facilitated decisions for isolation of infectious hospitalized patients. However, diagnosing other viruses by clinical examination such as influenza may be difficult. If patients with influenza are not diagnosed on hospital admission, nosocomial infections may occur. The purpose of our study was to identify patients with nosocomial influenza infections during one winter season in a large children's hospital, document the morbidity, identify potential index cases as roommate exposures who were not identified as having influenza at the time of admission and determine ways in which these cases could have been prevented. From December, 1989, to March, 1990, 74 patients were found to have positive influenza cultures; 11 (15%) were determined to be nosocomial in origin. Hospitalization was extended for 6 patients. Additional costs for these 11 patients resulting from influenza infection totaled +83,000. Six index cases were identified as potential exposures to 7 (67%) of those who acquired nosocomial infections. In none of these potential index cases had influenza been considered as an admission diagnosis. Rapid tests for influenza are necessary to identify patients with influenza at admission and to identify hospitalized patients with nosocomial infection to decrease the number of diagnostic tests and institute appropriate isolation procedures.
Insights
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests are crucial for preventing hospital-acquired infections. Early detection of influenza in hospitalized patients reduces nosocomial spread and associated costs.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Rapid diagnostic testing for respiratory syncytial virus aids in patient isolation decisions.
- Clinical diagnosis of influenza can be challenging, potentially leading to nosocomial infections if not identified promptly upon hospital admission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patients with nosocomial influenza infections during a winter season at a children's hospital.
- To document the morbidity and associated costs of nosocomial influenza.
- To identify potential index cases and explore prevention strategies for nosocomial influenza.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of influenza cases from December 1989 to March 1990.
- Identification of nosocomial infections through positive influenza cultures.
- Analysis of patient records to determine hospitalization extension, costs, and potential index cases.
Main Results:
- 11 out of 74 (15%) influenza cases were determined to be nosocomial in origin.
- Six patients experienced extended hospitalization due to nosocomial influenza.
- Associated costs for the 11 nosocomial cases totaled over $83,000.
- Six index cases were identified as potential sources for 7 (67%) nosocomial infections; influenza was not considered in their admission diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Rapid influenza diagnostic tests are essential for timely identification of influenza in admitted patients.
- Implementing rapid testing can help prevent nosocomial influenza infections and reduce diagnostic testing burden.
- Appropriate isolation procedures, guided by rapid diagnostics, are key to controlling influenza spread in hospitals.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:27Influenza