Respiratory syncytial virus infection among intubated adults in a university medical intensive care unit.

Respiratory syncytial virus is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children. Adults who are immunocompromised, aged, institutionalized, and/or have underlying medical diseases may be at risk for severe RSV infection. Intubated adults in an MICU were evaluated for evidence of RSV infection. Respiratory secretions were analyzed by cell culture and RSV EIA. Serologic testing was obtained. Respiratory secretions from MICU personnel with acute respiratory symptoms and patients admitted for pneumonia, asthma, or COPD also were screened. Five of 11 intubated patients had evidence of RSV infection. One of seven MICU employees and four of 48 ward patients had RSV-positive respiratory secretions. During community outbreaks of RSV infection, adults admitted to an MICU already may be infected with RSV; those admitted for other reasons are at risk for nosocomial infection. Patients occupying other hospital units and personnel may be instrumental in the nosocomial dissemination of RSV.