[Nosocomial virus infections in pediatric departments. Rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus]

Abstract

Rotavirus and Respiratory Syncytial virus are common causes of acute gastroenteritis and upper and lower respiratory diseases among infants and toddlers. Both viruses occur as epidemics during the winter season. The symptoms may be quite severe and often lead to hospitalisation in paediatric wards i.e. about 2,000 children per year. The viruses frequently give rise to nosocomial infections in the infant/toddler wards about one third of the cases being nosocomial. Recent studies have revealed that both viruses are spread via contaminated hands. The density of virus in faeces and upper respiratory secretions is very high less than one microgram being sufficient for spread of the disease. The traditional precautions (i.e. handwashing and isolation) have failed to reduce the numbers of nosocomial infections to an acceptable level. However, the routine use of gloves have been shown to reduce the spread of RS virus effectively. This method is suggested in paediatric wards during the winter since it presumably will also reduce the spread of Rotavirus.