Description of an adenovirus A31 outbreak in a paediatric haematology unit

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2006 Jul;38(1):23-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705389. Epub 2006 May 15.

Abstract

Adenovirus infections result in significant morbidity and mortality in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplanted (hSCT) children. Adenovirus from species C and B account for more than 90% of adenoviruses recovered after hSCT. However, infections due to adenovirus A31 have been increasingly reported in recent years. Between April 2002 and April 2005, blood samples obtained every 2 weeks from 58 hSCT children were screened for adenovirus species A to C by quantitative real-time PCR. Phylogenetic analysis was realized after amplification and sequencing of the entire hexon gene. Fifteen cases of adenovirus infection with viraemia were recovered during this 3 years period. During spring/summer 2003, seven cases occurred and were due to an adenovirus species A. Phylogenetic analysis of the seven strains showed that they belonged to the A31 genotype and shared 100% homology. Clinical features of the seven HSCT children with A31 adenovirus viraemia are described. We describe here an epidemic spread of adenovirus genotype A31 in a paediatric haematology unit. Timing, location and hexon gene genotyping results highly suggested a nosocomial origin to this epidemic. The burden of adenovirus A31 infection needs to be further assessed in this context.

MeSH terms

  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / epidemiology*
  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / therapy
  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / virology*
  • Adenoviruses, Human / classification
  • Adenoviruses, Human / genetics*
  • Adenoviruses, Human / isolation & purification
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / therapy
  • Cross Infection / virology*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • France / epidemiology
  • Genotype
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Phylogeny
  • Species Specificity
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viremia / virology