Antigenic and nucleic acid analysis of nosocomial isolates of respiratory syncytial virus.
Monoclonal antibodies and ribonuclease protection were used to analyze antigenic and genomic diversity among 42 isolates of group A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from studies of nosocomial RSV carried out at the University of Rochester during the 1974-1975 and 1975-1976 RSV seasons. Three distinct subgroups or lineages and a total of 12 viral variants were present. Against this background of diversity, an outbreak was recognized that included 13 indistinguishable isolates occurring during a 2-week period. This outbreak accounted for 6 of the 8 infants with nosocomial infection. In contrast to the limited diversity of the nosocomial isolates, isolates from the 10 infants with community-acquired infection included 8 variants. Like those from community outbreaks of RSV, isolates of RSV from hospitalized patients are virologically heterogeneous. However, discrete outbreaks associated with transmission of a single strain can occur.
Storch
G A
GA
Edwin Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Hall
C B
CB
Anderson
L J
LJ
Park
C S
CS
Dohner
D E
DE
D000208:Acute Disease; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D012367:RNA, Viral