Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht,
The Netherlands | Department of Infection Control, Diakonessenhuis,
Utrecht, The Netherlands | National Institute for Public Health and Environment
(RIVM), Diagnostic Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening,
Section Virology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands | Department of Medical Microbiology, Diakonessenhuis,
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Note: [] Correspondence: Rafzana F. Gunput, M.D., Department of
Pediatrics, Diakonessenhuis, Bosboomstraat, 1, 3582 KE Utrecht, The
Netherlands. Tel.: +31 88 250 63 26; Fax: +31 30 256 67 38; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: We observed two consecutive episodes of an outbreak of rotavirus
(RV) on our neonatal medium care unit in May-June 2009. We investigated the
genotype of the RV; describe the spread of the virus among neonates and the
measures taken to control the outbreak. Stool samples of symptomatic neonates,
and during the second episode stool samples of all neonates, were tested for RV
antigens. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed on ten
samples positive for RV, followed by genotyping. Staff members and samples of
the environment were also tested for RV. An infection control advisor attended
shifts on the ward to observe the daily routines. Eighteen of 44 neonates were
tested positive for RV antigen and RNA. Ten samples were genotyped and revealed
the G9P[6] strain. One male premature neonate developed a serious neurologic
complication. None of the staff members were positive for RV. It is concluded
that the RV strain G9P[6] can present as a hard to eradicate nosocomial
pathogen. Since atypical RV strains can cause severe illness among neonates,
surveillance and genotyping during an outbreak is recommended.
