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Surface colonization with coagulase-negative staphylococci in premature neonates
C T D'Angio1, K L McGowan, S Baumgart
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Coagulase-negative staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis, rapidly colonize premature infants. This colonization, characterized by antibiotic resistance and slime production, increases the risk of sepsis in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal microbiology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Bacterial colonization
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are common causes of healthcare-associated infections in neonates.
- Understanding the dynamics of CoNS colonization in premature infants is crucial for infection prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence and characteristics of surface colonization by CoNS in premature infants.
- To determine the association between surface colonization and subsequent S. epidermidis sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal sampling of four body sites (axilla, ear, nasopharynx, rectum) in 18 premature infants over 4 weeks.
- Characterization of CoNS isolates by species, biotype, antibiotic susceptibility, and slime production.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis became the predominant CoNS species in 100% of infants by week 4.
- Increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance (82%) and slime production (95%) among isolates.
- S. epidermidis sepsis developed in 3 infants with identical surface isolates.
Conclusions:
- S. epidermidis colonization, enhanced by antibiotic resistance and slime production, is rapidly established in premature infants.
- This colonization pattern may confer a selective advantage and increase the risk of sepsis in the intensive care nursery environment.