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[Nosocomial infections in pediatric and neonatal intensive care: an epidemiological update]
Insights
Hospital-acquired infections (nosocomial infections) are a growing global concern, particularly in newborns and children. This review updates on their epidemiology, risk factors, and emerging antibiotic resistance, emphasizing infection control programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Hospital-acquired infections (nosocomial infections) represent a significant global health challenge.
- Neonatal and pediatric populations exhibit unique vulnerabilities to nosocomial infections.
- Advances in medical practices and widespread antibiotic use contribute to increased infection rates.
Purpose:
- To provide an updated review of the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections in pediatric populations.
- To identify and discuss key risk factors for neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit infections.
- To highlight the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in intensive care settings.
Summary:
- This review synthesizes current literature on the epidemiology of nosocomial infections in children.
- It details specific risk factors for neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit infections.
- The emergence of multidrug-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria is examined, underscoring the need for robust infection control.
Impact:
- Informs healthcare professionals about the current landscape of pediatric nosocomial infections.
- Highlights the critical need for targeted infection control strategies in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.
- Contributes to the global understanding of antimicrobial resistance trends in vulnerable populations.
Abstract:
Hospital-acquired infection (nosocomial infection) is a world-wide problem. The peculiar susceptibility of newborns and children, the widespread use of antibiotics, advances in hospital practice, have resulted in an increased incidence and recognition of neonatal and pediatric bacterial nosocomial infections. The aim of this review is to present an update on epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections, quoting recent and relevant papers on this topic. Main risk factors for the neonatal and the pediatric intensive care infections are presented, respectively. Emerging antibiotic-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in intensive care units are also considered. Infection control programmes are necessary to monitor and to prevent nosocomial infections.