Study of Nosocomial Infection of Rotavirus in Preterm and Full-term Neonates

Chung, Kwang Ok; Lee, Dong Seok; Kim, Doo Kwun; Choi, Sung Min; Kim, Woo Taek; Yu, Sun Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to investigate rotavirus infection by comparing clinical characteristics of the nosocomial infection of rotavirus between preterm and full-term neonates.
METHODS
The subjects were admitted from May to December, 1996. In 71 preterms, 44 were Rotazyme positive, 27 were negative, and in 321 full-terms, 64 were Rotazyme positive, 257 were negative. We studied the rate of positive Rotazyme ELISA test and positive symptoms. We compared clinical manifestations and parameters between both groups. Stools were examined with occult blood, stool culture and Rotazyme ELISA tests.
RESULTS
The rate of nosocomial rotavirus infection in neonates was 27.6% and increased as the neonates matured. Rotazyme positive rate is not significantly related to sex, birth weight and symptoms with necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC) between preterm and full-term neonates. But, jaundice developed more frequently in Rotazyme positive groups. When the neonates matured, they had longer durations of positive symptoms and positive Rotazyme tests. Also they had shorter onset times of positive symptoms and positive Rotazyme tests. Positive symptoms rate was 74.0% in total, 95.5% in preterm and 59.4% in full-term. Abdominal distension, jaundice and NEC increased significantly in preterms.
CONCLUSION
Rotavirus can be a significant pathogen in preterms more than in full-terms. Neonates suffering from suspected sepsis should be investigated for rotaviral infection. A new oral vaccine and oral immunoglobulin is needed for eradicating rotavirus infection in the nursery. Further studies about isolations, infection pathways, immune responses and treatment of rotavirus are needed.