[Update on outbreaks reported from neonatal intensive care units (2010-203): Staphylococcus aureus]

In terms of the unique risk profile of the patients and the morbidity associated with S. aureus infections in this vulnerable patient population, the literature on outbreaks of S. aureus (including MRSA) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) needs to be analyzed separately from reports derived from other intensive care units. With the objective of updating important information for those involved in outbreak management and fostering preventive efforts, this article summarizes the results of a systematic literature analysis, referring to an earlier publication by Gastmeier et al. It focuses on NICU outbreaks caused by S. aureus (including MRSA) and on controlling them.