Screening of rotavirus and adenovirus infections during prolonged hospitalization in a neonatal unit

Rotavirus and adenovirus infections in 308 infants hospitalized for longer than I wk, and cases with necrotizing enterocolitis, were screened in a neo natal unit during a 15 mo period, covering two rotavirus epidemics in the c ommunity. Altogether, 1020 stool samples were collected weekly until hospit al discharge, and in necrotizing enterocolitis cases at the onset of sympto ms, and tested for rotavirus and adenovirus by means of enzyme-linked immun osorbent assay. The positive samples were further analysed by polymerase ch ain reaction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed five adenovirus-po sitive cases, which were tested negative by polymerase chain reaction. Out of 16 necrotizing enterocolitis cases, one was adenovirus- and another rota virus positive when tested by polymerase chain reaction, the latter having a concomitant Candida albicans septicaemia. Conclusion: Routine rotavirus and adenovirus screening in hospitalized neon ates seems to be unnecessary. Viral diagnostic examinations should be consi dered in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis.