Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

This report describes a cluster of nosocomial infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a neonatal intensive care nursery. All 5 cases of P aeruginosa infection were clustered in September 1999. Aggressive infection control measures were instituted, including installation of a user-friendly handwashing soap and environmental cleaning. On the basis of the finding of persistent dirty equipment, a new full-time position was created that was dedicated to equipment cleaning. These measures were effective in eliminating the cluster. The nursery has remained free of P aeruginosa infection for more than 2 years, attesting to the success of our program.