Reverse transcriptase-PCR for the detection of Astrovirus in children with nosocomial acute diarrhoea in Naples, Italy.
OBJECTIVE
This study was made to determine the incidence of nosocomial viral gastroenteritis in all children aged 0-4 years, admitted in the Pediatric Hospital over a 3-year period.


METHODS
Astrovirus was detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR; routine diagnostic tests for Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and common bacterial pathogens were carried out on all samples.


RESULTS
Of the 460 children with nosocomial diarrhea, 23 harbored Astrovirus (5%). Most cases occurred during the coldest months of the year. Children under 1 year of age were the most susceptible population.


CONCLUSIONS
The collected data confirms the importance of viral etiology in nosocomial gastroenteritis. The reported rate of detection stresses the importance of Astrovirus in pediatric diarrhea. The authors recommend screening for this virus on a routine basis.
Galdiero
Emilia
E
Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Section of Hygien, University of Study of Naples Federico II, Via mezzocannone, 16 Napoli, Naples, Italy. emilia.galdiero@unina.it
Marinelli
Alessandra
A
Pisciotta
Maria Grazia
MG
Pagliara
Irma
I
Di Monteforte
Edoardo Sanfelice
ES
Liguori
Giorgio
G
D019350:Astroviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology*; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D001257:Mamastrovirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods