Hospital outbreak of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) illness in immunocompromised hospitalized children during summer.

Purpose: The human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a community-acquired virus that mainly causes acute respiratory tract infection in infants and children. HRSV is increasingly recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen causing morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Here, we are reporting a hospital outbreak of HRSV during summer in children receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies. Prompt detection and timely preventive measures could abort the devastating outbreak.

Methods: In the month of June 2013, seven children from paediatric oncology Ward at King George Medical University presented with respiratory signs and symptoms in span of 3 days. Nasal and throat swabs of children were tested for the presence of HRSV, human metapneumovirus and their subtypes A and B, influenza A and B, measles, parainfluenza virus (1, 2, 3 and 4), adenovirus, and human bocavirus by real-time polymerase chain reaction. A segment of F gene of HRSV was amplified and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The demographic, clinical profile, underlying diseases, clinical diagnosis and seasonal distribution were studied and analyzed.

Results: Of the total seven cases, six tested positive for HRSV A, which were genetically similar to each other. Children with respiratory symptoms were segregated from other patients, and strict implementation of restricted visiting policy was adapted, which led to control of widespread outbreak.

Conclusions: HRSV A outbreak was detected in immunocompromised patients; the wider spread of which was prevented by prompt detection and application of preventive measures.