Author:
Baier Claas,Huang Jiabin,Reumann Kerstin,Indenbirken Daniela,Thol Felicitas,Koenecke Christian,Ebadi Ella,Heim Albert,Bange Franz-Christoph,Haid Sibylle,Pietschmann Thomas,Fischer Nicole
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes community-acquired respiratory tract infections during winter. However, outbreaks in hospitals also occur repeatedly. In particular, patients with hematologic malignancies are at an increased risk for a severe and potentially fatal course of RSV infection. Here we present the investigation of an RSV outbreak in a hematology ward for adults following the ORION statement.
Methods
An epidemiologic and molecular outbreak analysis was performed. We developed and employed a minimal oligonucleotide probe set in target capture probe sequencing that allows cost-effective RSV-A or -B capturing to reconstruct RSV genomes from clinical samples.
Results
Four adult patients were involved in the outbreak caused by RSV-B in March 2019. The enforcement of the pre-existing infection control measures by effective training of hospital staff contributed to a successful containment. PCR-based RSV screening on the ward enabled early detection of new cases and rapid isolation measures. The molecular analysis demonstrated that the outbreak sequences were highly related and distinct to other RSV-B strains circulating at the same time.
Conclusions
A multimodal infection control concept is essential for the timely detection and control of RSV outbreaks in patients with hematological disease. Among other measures, preventive screening for respiratory viruses is recommended. Furthermore, the integration of conventional and molecular epidemiology, such as whole-genome sequencing and variant calling, significantly contributes to the understanding of transmission pathways. Based on this, appropriate conclusions can be drawn for targeted prevention measures that have prepared us for the COVID-19 pandemic beyond the RSV approach described here.
Funder
Germany’s Excellence Strategy – EXC 2155 “RESIST”
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Infectious Diseases,Microbiology (medical),Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Cited by
2 articles.
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