Blocking the Prevalence of Adenoviral Conjunctivitis in Premature Infants by a Combined Disinfection Method

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the cause of the outbreak of nosocomial adenoviral conjunctivitis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the impact of infection control measures. The objectives of the present study included investigating the association between hospital-borne infection and adenoviral conjunctivitis, analyzing the possible risk factors, and setting bundled infection control measures, which were adjusted according to the control effect. This study also aimed to observe the effects of different intervention measures on controlling adenoviral conjunctivitis. During the first and second intervention periods, 635 and 597 patients in the NICU were enrolled, respectively. Ophthalmoscopy was performed in 188 ( first intervention) and 184 (second intervention) patients (P > 0.05) 417 and 457 times, respectively (P < 0.001). During the first intervention and second interventions, 13 patients and no patient had adenoviral conjunctivitis, respectively (P < 0.001). All adenoviral conjunctivitis cases were reported 6–27 days (mean, 12 days) after ophthalmoscopy. Hydrogen peroxide disinfection bundled measures can effectively restrict the prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis associated with ophthalmoscopy in premature infants.