[Coincidental outbreaks of rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus in Paris: a survey from 1993 to 1998].
METHODS
In a pediatric hospital of Paris, from 1993 to 1998, respiratory secretions were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 26.3% of 4,738 children (0-5 years) examined or hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections. Rotavirus detection was positive in stools of 23.7% of the 8,537 children of the same age with acute diarrhea.


RESULTS
The RSV epidemic peak occurred annually in Paris in December and the rotavirus outbreak peaks were observed in December/January. The winter seasonal peaks remained constant for both pathogens and the temporal appearance of these peaks was constant from 1993 to 1998. Fifty to sixty-one percent of rotavirus and 77 to 92% of RSV infections were observed in November, December or January. These simultaneous outbreaks provoked important problems in hospital organization and prevention of nosocomial infections.


CONCLUSIONS
The coincidence of RSV and rotavirus peaks is not found in all countries. The epidemic patterns have to be checked in other parts of France and Europe because this could be important when active immunization programs will be available for these two pathogens.
Gendrel
D
D
Service de pédiatrie, hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Paris, France.
Basse
N
N
Palmer
P
P
Marc
E
E
Taty-Taty
R
R
Ravilly
S
S
Moulin
F
F
Raymond
J
J
Lebon
P
P
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D010297:Paris / Q000208:ethnology; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012621:Seasons
Coïncidence des épidémies de rotavirus et de virus respiratoire syncytial à Paris: une enquête de 1993 à 1998.