Acute Gastroenteritis: Development of PCR Analysis and Algorithm for Fast Clarification of Isolation Indication
Acute Gastroenteritis: Development of PCR Analysis and Algorithm for Fast Clarification of Isolation Indication
Isolation of contagious patients is expensive, requires more caregiver time, most of the
 patients perceive isolation as a mental strain and it has been shown that the level of care
 and observation is lower than in a normal ward. But isolation of contagious patients is
 necessary to protect other patients, hospital staff and relatives to prevent spreading of
 infection and, in worst case out-break.

 There are different isolation regimes available depending on causative agent and mode of
 transmission. A community-acquired acute gastroenteritis (GE) is most often caused by
 Norovirus while a hospital-acquired acute GE is often caused by toxin producing Clostridium
 difficile. Patients infected with Norovirus or Clostridium difficile have to be isolated in
 single rooms with strict contact precautions. Patients infected with acute GE caused by other
 pathogens can be isolated in a multi-bed room if there is a private toilet.

 However, at the time of arrival to hospital it is not known if the patient is contagious. The
 indication of isolation has to be made based of a clinical evaluation in risk of isolating to
 few or too many patients.

 Aim of the study:

 To identify anamnestic, clinical and paraclinical variables that can be used as indicators of
 the aetiology of infectious GE, thus giving an indication for isolation.

 To clinically evaluate a combined RNA (Norovirus) and DNA (Clostridium difficile) fast PCR
 analysis test to identify infectious GE compared to gold standard methods.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  acutely admitted

 -  more than three Loose stool, or lest than three Loose stools and vomiting within the
 last three weeks

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  age under 18 years