Rotavirus and other viruses in the stool of premature babies

In a 12-month study, 363 stools of 199 premature babies nursed in a separate ward of a paediatric clinic were examined by electron microscopy and on cell culture to detect virus. Twenty-four (6.6%) were positive for rotavirus, in one winter epidemy. From four stools Echo 22 was isolated, and in six cases virus-like particles were detected by electron microscopy. These virus infections are not a major problem in newborns, requiring special care, as they are mostly symptomless or mild.