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Nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care units

L G Donowitz1

  • 1University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.

American Journal of Infection Control
|October 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face significant nosocomial infection risks, ranging from 5% to 25%. This review examines factors influencing infant susceptibility and discusses preventive strategies to reduce infection transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) present a significant challenge, with reported rates between 5% and 25%.
  • Infections are caused by a variety of pathogens, including gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and viruses, manifesting as both endemic and epidemic outbreaks.
  • Neonates possess unique vulnerabilities due to host, maternal, and environmental factors that increase their susceptibility to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted factors contributing to neonatal susceptibility to nosocomial infections.
  • To discuss established and epidemic control measures for minimizing infection risks in NICUs.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of preventive strategies for infectious organism transmission in neonatal care settings.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of host, maternal, and environmental factors influencing neonatal infection risk.
  • Analysis of common causative agents of nosocomial infections in NICUs.
  • Synthesis of data on standard preventive measures and epidemic control strategies.

Main Results:

  • Identified key host factors (e.g., prematurity, immune status), maternal factors (e.g., infections during pregnancy), and environmental factors (e.g., nursery conditions) impacting neonatal susceptibility.
  • Cataloged prevalent pathogens including gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and viruses.
  • Detailed various preventive measures such as nursery design, staff hygiene, and neonatal care protocols.

Conclusions:

  • Effective prevention of nosocomial infections in NICUs requires a comprehensive approach addressing host, maternal, and environmental factors.
  • Strict adherence to infection control protocols, including handwashing and appropriate staff apparel, is crucial.
  • Implementing robust epidemic control measures is essential for limiting the transmission of infectious organisms and protecting vulnerable neonates.

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