Coincidental outbreaks of rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections in Paris: a survey form 1993 to 1998.

Patients,lts and methods, - In a pediatric hospital of Paris, from 1993 to 1998, respiratory secretions were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 26.3% of 4,738 children (0-5years) examined or hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections. Rotavirus detection was positive in stools of 23.7% of the 8,537 children of the same age with acute diarrhea. Results. - The RSV epidermic peak occurred annually in Pal is in December and the rotavirus outbreak peaks were observed in December/January. The winter seasonal peaks remained constant for both pathogens and the temporal appearance of these peaks was constant from 1993 to 1998. Fifty to sixty-one percent of rotavirus and 77 to 92% of RSV infections were observed iii November, December or January. These simultaneous outbreaks provoked important problems in hospital organization and prevention of nosocomial infections. Conclusion - The coincidence of RSV and rotavirus peaks is nor Sound in all countries. The epidemic patterns have to be checked ill other parts of France and Europe because this could be important when active immunization programs will be available for these two pathogens. (C) 1999 Elsevier Paris.