Neonates are more likely be develop infections than older individuals due to an
infants's immature host defense system and greater chance of exposure to potentially
pathogenic organism.
As a result infection accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal mortality,
Nosocomial or nursery acquired infections in the neonatal intensive care unit have been
an area of concern for many years, In addition to increased mortality, nosocomial
infection are also associated with increased morbidity and prolonged length of hospital
stay, This presentation will focus on prevention of infection and infection control
methods in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Prevention of hospital acquired infections is a major challenge for physicians and
nurses. Risk factors for neonatal sepais include perinatal, neonatal, and
environmental(hospital or nursery) Factors, Nosocomial infections in the neonatal
intensive care unit can be acquired by indirect or direct contact or by exposure to
contaminated substances or personnel. A major source of nosocomial infection in
hospitals, including neonatal intensive care units, in the hands of hospital personnel.
Strategies for prevention and further spread of these infections in neonates include
recognition of early sign of infection, care practices with infants to reduce the risk of
nosocomial infection, proper antibiotic selection and usage to avoid altering the infant's
normal bacterial flora, and prevent development of resistant strains of organisms, and
appropriate use of infection control practices including handwashing techniques, cover
gowns, isolation precautions, and care procedures with infected infants, other factors that
may influence infection control in the neonatal intensive care unit include staffing
patterns and visiting policies.
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