Prospective study of nosocomial rotavirus infection in a paediatric hospital.
Hospital-acquired enteric infections, particularly those due to rotavirus, were investigated by studying 220 patients under 3 years of age who were admitted without gastroenteritis to two paediatric general medical wards during a 10 month period. Faecal specimens were collected within 48 h of admission and then daily until the patients were discharged. Samples were also collected after discharge if patients developed enteric symptoms within 2 days of discharge. Fourteen per cent (31 of 220) of patients acquired rotavirus infections while in hospital, 23% (seven of 30) excreted rotavirus only after discharge; 29% of patients infected with rotavirus were asymptomatic (nine of 31). Acquisition of rotavirus infection was most prevalent during the months May-August, with a prevalence of 34% (12 of 35) in May. Hospitalization was prolonged in those patients who acquired rotavirus (11.1 days compared with 8.0 days, P less than 0.05). This study highlights the importance of rotavirus as a cause of hospital cross-infection, particularly in the very young patient, and emphasizes the need for further assessment of factors involved in its acquisition. In order to determine correctly the incidence of hospital-acquired illness, it is essential to follow patients after discharge from hospital. This study reinforces the importance of developing preventive measures in order to reduce the frequency of this illness.
Gastroenterology Unit, Adelaide Children's Hospital, Australia.
M L
ML
Ringenbergs
G P
GP
Davidson
J
J
Spence
S
S
Morris
D001315:Australia; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D012621:Seasons