Pseudo-outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in a neonatal intensive care unit due to cross-reactivity of surfactant and a rapid immunoassay

Abstract

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.