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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.
Abstract:
An outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus infections occurred following discontinuation of antiseptic cord care on a neonatal unit. Multiple phage types were involved. The most common site of infection was the umbilicus. In addition, there were two clusters of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection and one due to Streptococcus pyogenes. The outbreak was rapidly controlled by the reintroduction of hexachlorophane powder for cord care.
Insights
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.