Airborne bacterial infection in a neonatal unit

Abstract EN

Neonates, staff and the environment of a neonatal unit were sampled in an attempt to isolate potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Many genera of Gram-negative bacteria were identified.

These included Seratia, Proteus , Acinetobacter and Klebsiella .

Settle plates yielded more isolates than swab technique.

Baby incubator, temperature in combination with elevated relative humidity offered a better chance for various types of bacteria to flourish.

Acinetobacter , Proteus and Serratia were isolated from air, contaminated vehicles and from the neonates inside the unit.

These organisms were highly resistant to many antibiotics.

Four neonates died due to meningitis or septicemia caused by Acinetobacter , Proteus and Serratia