Viruses identified in the majority of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in daycare centers

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In a prospective study of 29 outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in childcare centers in North Carolina, viruses were identified as etiologic agents in 55% of outbreaks, and viral contamination of the environment was shown in more than one-half of outbreaks as well. The strengths of this report are the study period encompassing two winter seasons, environmental samples, patient samples, and the multiple molecular techniques used for virus identification and sequencing. Rotaviruses, norovirus, astrovirus, and sapovirus were detectable, and patient and environmental samples were compared through genotyping. The study confirms rotavirus group A as the predominant etiology with substantial contributions of all other viruses studied. Confirmation of widespread environmental contamination during outbreaks suggests its possible importance in transmission and the need to study effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection on outbreak control and prevention.