Influenza and rhinovirus infections among health-care workers.

Background And Objective: Health-care workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of acquisition and transmission of respiratory virus infections. Nosocomial transmission of influenza has been documented but whether this is so for other respiratory viruses has not been assessed.

Methods: Epidemiological, clinical and viral laboratory surveillance was carried out on HCWs presenting with acute respiratory infection in a university hospital.

Applications of a duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and direct immunofluorescence assay in comparison with virus isolation for detection of influenza A and B.

A duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and direct immunofluorescence assays (DFAs) were evaluated for detection of influenza types A and B in comparison with virus isolation in Madin-Darbin canine kidney cells. Four hundred four nasal wash were collected from individuals presenting with acute respiratory symptoms during 2001 to 2003 influenza seasons. According to the reference method, 78 (19.