Nosokomiale Infektionen bei Neugeborenen

[Infection prevention in neonatal intensive care units]

In diesem Beitrag werden einige Besonderheiten der Infektionsprävention bei intensivmedizinisch behandelten Früh und Neugeborenen dargestellt. Ergänzend finden sich Hinweise zum krankenhaushygienischen Management der SARS-CoV-2(„severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“)-Pandemie und zur Antibiotic Stewardship in der neonatologischen Intensivmedizin.

[Colonization-outbreak of two clonally different strains of Serratia marcescens in a neonatal intensive care unit]

We describe an outbreak of two clonally different strains of Serratia marcescens in a neonatal intensive care unit. Three colonization cases in the first outbreak phase were related to contact transmission from an index patient during emergency respiratory treatment while eight colonizations in the second phase were caused by contaminated bathing lotion. All transmissions resulted in colonization only and no infections were recorded. Based on our experience and the literature review sufficient staffing levels, basic hygiene and a goal-directed investigation of the environment are the cornerstones of a rapid outbreak termination. The epidemiological search for parallels in cases should be assisted by sophisticated electronic records.

[Update on outbreaks reported from neonatal intensive care units (2010-203): Staphylococcus aureus]

In terms of the unique risk profile of the patients and the morbidity associated with S. aureus infections in this vulnerable patient population, the literature on outbreaks of S. aureus (including MRSA) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) needs to be analyzed separately from reports derived from other intensive care units. With the objective of updating important information for those involved in outbreak management and fostering preventive efforts, this article summarizes the results of a systematic literature analysis, referring to an earlier publication by Gastmeier et al. It focuses on NICU outbreaks caused by S. aureus (including MRSA) and on controlling them.