Rotavirus nosocomial infection in pediatric units. A multicentric observation study

OBJECTIVE: Rotavirus nosocomial infection (RNI) is frequent in pediatric units. This study was designed to determine the incidence and the main risk factors of RNI in children aged 3 months-3 years and admitted for at least 48 hours days during the epidemic period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A stool sample was obtained within the 24 hours of admission. An additional sample was collected from rotavirus-negative children either the day of discharge, or when they developed abnormal clinical signs. Parents were contacted by phone after discharge. Children initially rotavirus-negative and positive 2 days or more after admission were considered as certain nosocomial cases. In the absence of the second sample, possible nosocomial cases were considered if new symptoms (i.e.; fever and or digestive symptoms) occurred 2 days or more after the first negative sample. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen children were included. The incidence was 11.1% for certain NRI, 16.8% for possible hospital-acquired cases and 19.4% for the whole cases. Possible risk factors were the low number of nurses during the weekend, the great number of medicine students in the unit, and no use of individual material. CONCLUSION: NRI have a high incidence, whose reality can only be approximated by taking into account the possible NRI occurring at home after hospital-discharge.