[Nosocomial infections due to human coronaviruses in the newborn].
Human coronaviruses, with two known serogroups named 229-E and OC-43, are enveloped positive-stranded RNA viruses. The large RNA is surrounded by a nucleoprotein (protein N). The envelop contains 2 or 3 glycoproteins: spike protein (or protein S), matrix protein (or protein M) and a hemagglutinin (or protein HE). Their pathogen role remains unclear because their isolation is difficult. Reliable and rapid methods as immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction allow new researches on epidemiology. Human coronaviruses can survive for as long as 6 days in suspension and 3 hours after drying on surfaces, suggesting that they could be a source of hospital-acquired infections. Two prospective studies conducted in a neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit demonstrated a significant association of coronavirus-positive nasopharyngal samples with respiratory illness in hospitalised preterm neonates. Positive samples from staff suggested either a patient-to-staff or a staff-to-patient transmission. No cross-infection were observed from community-acquired respiratory-syncitial virus or influenza-infected children to neonates. Universal precautions with hand washing and surface desinfection could be proposed to prevent coronavirus transmission.
Gagneur
A
A
Unité de réanimation pédiatrique, département de pédiatrie, CHU, 29609 Brest, France.
Legrand
M C
MC
Picard
B
B
Baron
R
R
Talbot
P J
PJ
de Parscau
L
L
Sizun
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017934:Coronavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D028941:Coronavirus 229E, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018352:Coronavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D028962:Coronavirus OC43, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors
D004279:DNA, Viral