Necrotizing Enterocolitis Cases Associated with Nosocomial Enterovirus Transmission in a Neonatal Unit.

Infectious agents including viruses are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis, a well-known gastrointestinal emergency in newborns. Enteroviruses are common pathogens in neonates and have been associated with outbreaks in neonatal units. Enterovirus-associated necrotizing enterocolitis has been described in 3 preterms. Spatiotemporal and molecular analyses have provided evidence of nosocomial transmission.