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Hexachlorophane powder and neonatal staphylococcal infection
K D Allen1, E J Ridgway, L A Parsons
1Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Whiston Hospital, Prescot, Merseyside, UK.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Discontinuing antiseptic cord care led to a Staphylococcus aureus outbreak on a neonatal unit. Reintroducing hexachlorophane powder quickly controlled infections, including MRSA.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Infection control
- Public health microbiology
Background:
- Antiseptic cord care is crucial for preventing neonatal infections.
- Discontinuation of standard antiseptic practices can precipitate outbreaks.
- Neonatal units require stringent infection control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus infections in a neonatal unit.
- To identify the causative agents and common infection sites.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in controlling the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of infection data.
- Microbiological investigation including phage typing.
- Review of infection control protocols.
Main Results:
- An outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus infections, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), occurred after stopping antiseptic cord care.
- The umbilicus was the most frequent site of infection.
- The outbreak also involved Streptococcus pyogenes infections.
- Reintroduction of hexachlorophane powder rapidly controlled the spread of infections.
Conclusions:
- Antiseptic cord care is essential for preventing neonatal bacterial infections.
- Hexachlorophane powder is an effective agent for controlling outbreaks of S. aureus and other pathogens in neonatal settings.
- Prompt implementation of effective interventions is critical during neonatal unit outbreaks.