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State-of-the-Art

Strategies for prevention of RSV nosocomial infection

Journal of Perinatology volume 28, pages 319–323 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To review the literature on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a cause of nosocomial infections (NI) on neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and pediatric wards, and the effectiveness of various containment strategies.

Study Design:

We conducted a literature review to define characteristics of RSV NI, and to evaluate the relative effectiveness of various infection containment programs, including the use of palivizumab on the reported incidence of RSV NI on NICUs and pediatric wards.

Result:

Highly variable rates of RSV NI have not significantly changed since RSV was first identified. The evaluation of the effectiveness of containment strategies has relied on before/after study designs. Focus on rapid patient diagnosis, compliance of acceptable handwashing techniques and cohorting of patients and staff appears to form the backbone of most prevention and containment programs. When these or other measures have failed, the administration of palivizumab has been useful in halting the spread of RSV NI in children.

Conclusion:

RSV NI continues to be prevalent in the NICU despite adoption of infection control programs. Preventive measures should be employed to lower the risk of RSV NI and, if identified, appropriate containment strategies should be rapidly implemented.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical/Scientific Affairs, MedImmune Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA

    J Groothuis

  2. Scientific and Technical Evaluation of Pharmaceuticals Inc., Raleigh, NC, USA

    J Bauman

  3. Medical Affairs, MedImmune Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA

    F Malinoski & M Eggleston

Authors
  1. J Groothuis
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  2. J Bauman
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  3. F Malinoski
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  4. M Eggleston
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M Eggleston.

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Conflicts of Interest

Dr Groothuis, Dr Malinoski and Dr Eggleston have a proprietary interest in palivizumab, which is marketed by MedImmune Inc. Jay Bauman is a consultant to MedImmune and received financial support for data collection and analysis.

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Groothuis, J., Bauman, J., Malinoski, F. et al. Strategies for prevention of RSV nosocomial infection. J Perinatol 28, 319–323 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.37

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