An outbreak of human parainfluenza virus 3 infection in an outpatient hematopoietic stem cell transplantation clinic

Emily R M Sydnor, Amy Greer, Alicia P. Budd, Miriana Pehar, Supriya Munshaw, Dionissios Neofytos, Trish M. Perl, Alexandra Valsamakis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Parainfluenza viruses cause respiratory tract infections in adults and children, with peak activity during the spring and summer months. Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3) can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: Automated surveillance software was used to identify an hPIV-3 outbreak in an HSCT clinic. Active surveillance for respiratory illness and infection control measures were instituted. A retrospective molecular investigation of outbreak viral strains was performed by direct sequencing. Results: Twelve of 196 HSCT recipients attending the clinic during the outbreak period had hPIV-3; one of these patients died. Sequencing demonstrated highly related strains in 9 of 10 patients studied. Despite the ongoing presence of hPIV-3 outside the inpatient/outpatient care continuum clinic, only 2 cases were observed after institution of respiratory season infection control measures. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrates the utility of surveillance software in the identification of respiratory virus outbreaks and the importance of rapid implementation of infection control/prevention measures for containment of outbreaks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)601-605
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control
Volume40
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

Keywords

  • Immunocompromised
  • Surveillance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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