Neonatal viral infections: Enteroviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus

Abstract

The detection and identification of viral infections in newborns has been greatly improved by the recent development of rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic methods, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Data from a retrospective analysis of neonates admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Netherlands during a 12 year period confirmed viral infection in about 1% of cases. Enterovirus or parechovirus (EV/PeV) were the most frequent causes (39% of cases), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at 29% (Table 118.1). EVs caused the highest mortality rate and serious sequelae [1].