Clinical characteristics and genotypes of rotaviruses in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There are few reports on the symptoms of rotavirus infections in neonates. This study aims to describe clinical signs of rotavirus infections among neonates, with a particular focus on preterm infants, and to show the distribution of genotypes in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS:

A prospective observational study was conducted at a regional NICU for 1 year. Stool specimens from every infant in the NICU were collected on admission, at weekly intervals, and from infants showing symptoms. Rotavirus antigens were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and genotypes were confirmed by Reverse transcription-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The infants were divided into three groups: symptomatic preterm infants with and without rotavirus-positive stools [Preterm(rota+) and Preterm(rota-), respectively] and symptomatic full- or near-term infants with rotavirus-positive stools [FT/NT(rota+)]. Demographic and outcome data were compared among these groups.

RESULTS:

A total of 702 infants were evaluated for rotaviruses and 131 infants were included in this study. The prevalence of rotavirus infections was 25.2%. Preterm(rota+) differed from Preterm(rota-) and FT/NT(rota+) with respect to frequent feeding difficulty (p = 0.047 and 0.034, respectively) and higher percentage of neutropenia (p = 0.008 and 0.011, respectively). G4P[6] was the exclusive strain in both the Preterm(rota+) (97.7%) and FT/NT(rota+) (90.2%), and it was the same for nosocomial, institutional infections, and infections acquired at home.

CONCLUSION:

Systemic illness signs such as feeding difficulty and neutropenia are specific for preterm infants with rotavirus infections. G4P[6] was exclusive, regardless of preterm birth or locations of infections. This study might be helpful in developing policies for management and prevention of rotavirus infections in NICUs.

• Authors: Jung Ok Shim, Dong Woo Son, So-Yeon Shim, Eell Ryoo, Wonyong Kim, Yeon-Chang Jung
• Journal: Pediatrics and neonatology (Pediatr Neonatol) Vol. 53 Issue 1 Pg. 18-23 (Feb 2012) ISSN: 2212-1692 [Electronic] Singapore
• PMID: 22348490 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chemical References

• Antigens, Viral

Topics

• Antigens, Viral (analysis)
• Cross Infection (diagnosis, virology)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Feces (virology)
• Gastroenteritis (diagnosis, virology)
• Genotype
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Infant, Premature, Diseases (diagnosis, virology)
• Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
• Rotavirus (classification, genetics)
• Rotavirus Infections (diagnosis, virology)