Nosocomial infections due to enteroviruses in neonatal units and nurseries: a risk to take into account.

Enteroviruses can be responsible for nosocomial outbreaks in nurseries and neonatal units, even during non-epidemic periods, from an index-patient, in fected medical staff, or visitors. The most commonly encountered disease is meningitis. Like pneumonia, it lengthens hospital stay. Myocarditis and se vere generalized infections with haemorrhagic diasthesis are responsible fo r a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis may be delayed. Hence the possibil ity of an enterovirus infection should be systematically suspected and pros pective investigations performed (stools, throat swab). In cases of meningi tis, enteroviral genome detection in CSF by polymerase chain reaction allow s for a rapid diagnosis and, in addition, a rapid alert to prevent nosocomi al infection spreading. Extreme vigilance is required if nosocomial infecti ons are to be prevented in nurseries and neonatal units. This includes resp ect of strict hygiene measures, meticulous handwashing, cleaning and disinf ection of surfaces, and efficient virucidal products. (C) 2000 Editions sci entifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.