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Isolation of drug-resistant bacteria from newborn infants
Abstract:
The fetus is known to be bacteria-free and is contaminated with bacteria during birth. We examined drug-resistant bacteria in feces of new-born infants to know the distribution of drug-resistant bacteria in a hospital. Among 76 infants examined, we could isolate drug-resistant strains of bacteria from 65 infants (86%). We collected 110 drug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebisella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and could isolate 53 strains (48%) carrying R plasmids; they being 33R (TC.CM.SM.SA.APC) and 20R (TC.CM.SM.SA) plasmids. The data indicated that R plasmids with the same resistance patterns were distributed in a hospital, and new-born infants were contaminated with bacteria carrying R plasmids, although the contamination rate of drug-resistant bacteria in the intestinal flora was very low.
Insights
Newborns are frequently exposed to drug-resistant bacteria carrying R plasmids during birth. This study found widespread distribution of these resistant bacteria in a hospital setting among infants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The fetal environment is typically sterile, with bacterial colonization commencing during the birthing process.
- Understanding the early acquisition of antibiotic resistance in neonates is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and distribution of drug-resistant bacteria in fecal samples from newborn infants within a hospital environment.
- To identify the types of drug-resistant bacteria and associated R plasmids colonizing neonates.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 76 newborn infants.
- Bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were isolated and tested for drug resistance.
- Presence and types of R plasmids were analyzed in resistant strains.
Main Results:
- Drug-resistant bacteria were isolated from 65 out of 76 infants (86%).
- Of the 110 drug-resistant strains identified, 53 (48%) carried R plasmids, specifically 33 strains with TC.CM.SM.SA.APC resistance and 20 with TC.CM.SM.SA resistance.
- Identical R plasmid resistance patterns were observed, indicating hospital-wide distribution.
Conclusions:
- Newborn infants are frequently contaminated with bacteria harboring R plasmids during their hospital stay.
- While the overall contamination rate of drug-resistant bacteria in the intestinal flora was low, the presence of R plasmids highlights a significant public health concern.
- The findings underscore the importance of infection control measures in neonatal units to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.