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[Newborn intestinal colonization by multidrug resistant enterobacteria in a neonatal unit]

L A Vieira1, E A Castro, J L Duarte

  • 1Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant enterobacteria strains (MDRES) colonized nearly half of newborns studied. Risk factors like antibiotic use and artificial feeding were linked to this colonization, increasing infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Neonatal intestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant enterobacteria strains (MDRES) is a growing concern.
  • Understanding colonization risk factors is crucial for preventing nosocomial infections in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the occurrence of intestinal colonization by MDRES in newborns during their hospital stay.
  • To determine the relationship between MDRES isolation and potential colonization risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A sequential inclusion study of 30 newborns in a tertiary care hospital neonatal unit.
  • Selective culture media (gentamicin and potassium tellurite) used for fecal sample analysis.
  • Biochemical identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and plasmid transfer assays for isolated strains.

Main Results:

  • 56 distinct MDRES were isolated from 14 out of 30 newborns (46.7%).
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent species (68%).
  • MDRES isolation showed a statistical association with antimicrobial use, low birth weight, prolonged hospitalization, and artificial milk feeding (p<0.02).

Conclusions:

  • Selective culture media effectively detected high-frequency newborn colonization by MDRES.
  • Established infection risk factors are associated with MDRES intestinal colonization in neonates.
  • Reinforcing infection control measures is vital to prevent nosocomial infections originating from intestinal colonization.

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