Umbilical cord care. A study of bacitracin ointment vs. triple dye

Umbilical cord colonization rates were examined over a 4-year period following topical application of bacitracin (1978-1980) or triple dye (1980-1982). A total of 2402 cords were cultured: 1229 following bacitracin cord care and 1173 after triple dye application. Cords treated with bacitracin had significantly higher colonization rates when compared to triple dye prophylaxis. Bacterial colonization with Staphylococcus epidermidis and group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus was found only after bacitracin prophylaxis. Our data support the use of triple dye for routine cord care and suggest that bacitracin application may increase the rate of group B streptococcal colonization.