Rotavirus disease course among immunocompromised patients; 5-year observations from a tertiary care medical centre

Abstract

Rotavirus infections at a Dutch tertiary-care centre were identified from 5-year laboratory records. Rotavirus disease course was evaluated by chart review for each immunocompromised patient. In a matched case-control analysis, we assessed whether being immunocompromised predisposed to RVGE. Rotavirus testing practice for suspected infectious gastroenteritis in our hospital was determined over a 3-years period. Out of 4584 RV tests performed, 294 were positive among hospitalized patients. Immunocompromised patients represented 57% (N=20) of adult, and 12% (N=32) of paediatric RVGE. A complicated disease course occurred in 81% of them and 33% required adaptations in underlying disease management. Immunocompromised adults were 7.4 times more likely todevelop RVGE compared to non-immunocompromised matched hospital-controls. Rotavirus testing in adult patients with suspected infectious gastroenteritis was uncommon (12% tested). In our hospital, most adults with RVGE are immunocompromised compared to a much smaller proportion in children. RVGE in immunocompromised patients is associated with significant morbidity. Routine rotavirus testing beyond infancy should be recommended for immunocompromised patients with suspected infectious gastroenteritis.