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Nosocomial staphylococcal cervical lymphadenitis in infants: report of an outbreak
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus caused cervical adenitis in infants, often appearing months after hospital discharge. The study suggests these infections originated in the hospital nursery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Neonatal infections pose significant risks to infant health.
- Understanding the origins of hospital-acquired infections is crucial for prevention.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in healthcare settings.
Observation:
- 16 of 721 infants developed Staphylococcus aureus infections within a six-month period.
- 12 affected infants presented with cervical adenitis, typically 2-4 months post-discharge.
- Minimal constitutional symptoms were observed in infants with adenitis.
Findings:
- Identical Staphylococcus aureus phage types were found in affected infants and hospital personnel/newborns.
- The timing suggests a delayed onset of symptoms from an initial nosocomial exposure.
- Cervical adenitis in these cases is likely of nosocomial origin.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of stringent infection control in neonatal units.
- Suggests prolonged surveillance may be needed for certain hospital-acquired infections.
- Informs strategies for preventing and managing Staphylococcus aureus transmission in nurseries.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus infections developed in 16 of 721 infants born at a general hospital during a six-month period (October 1972 to March 1973). Twelve of the 16 affected infants had cervical adenitis, which usually became manifest two to four months after they were discharged from the hospital. Although most infants with adenitis underwent incision and drainage procedures, physicians noted few constitutional symptoms. Staphylococcal phage types from infants with adenitis were identical to phage types commonly recovered from colonized newborns and nursery personnel at the hospital. Despite the long period between hospital discharge and onset of clinical symptoms, cases of cervical adenitis were probably nosocomial in origin.