Pseudo-outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in a neonatal intensive care unit due to cross-reactivity of surfactant and a rapid immunoassay.
We describe a pseudo-outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in a neonatal intensive care unit at the White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Investigation of a reported cluster of cases in the early fall of 2007 identified false-positive results due to cross-reactivity between surfactant and a rapid immunoassay. This highlights the need for diagnosis confirmation, especially during periods of low disease prevalence.
Terashita Gastelum
Dawn
D
Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California 90012, USA. dterashita@ph.lacounty.gov
Peterson
Ashley
A
Mascola
Laurene
L
Dassey
David
D
Camargo
Elizabeth
E
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000276:immunology; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D013997:Time Factors
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D013501:Surface-Active Agents