Detection of Common Respiratory Viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Patient-Occupied Rooms in Pediatric ards

Fe studies have assessed viral contamination in the rooms of hospital ards. This cross-sectional study evaluated the air and objects in patient-occupied rooms in pediatric ards for the presence of common respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Air samplers ere placed at a short (60-80;cm) and long (320;cm) distance from the head of the beds of 58 pediatric patients, ho ere subsequently confirmed to be infected ith enterovirus (n;=;17), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (n;=;13), influenza A virus (n;=;13), adenovirus (n;=;9), or M pneumoniae (n;=;6). Sab samples were collected from the surfaces of 5 different types of objects in the patients' rooms. All air and swab samples were analyzed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the presence of the above pathogens. All pathogens except enterovirus were detected in the air, on the objects, or in both locations in the patients' rooms. The detection rates of influenza A virus, adenovirus, and M pneumoniae for the long distance air sampling were 15%, 67%, and 17%, respectively. Both adenovirus and M pneumoniae were detected at very high rates, with high concentrations, on all sampled objects. The respiratory pathogens RSV, influenza A virus, adenovirus, and M pneumoniae were detected in the air and/or on the objects in the pediatric ward rooms. Appropriate infection control measures should be strictly implemented when caring for such patients.