Epidemiological study of nosocomial infection of neonates admitted to Benha university neonatal intensive care unite

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional short term study was carried-out in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] at Benha University hospital. It aims at studying the epidemiological features of nosocomial infection in NICU. The target of this study is one hundred neonates admitted to the NICU along a period of about one year. They were chosen by the systematic method of random sampling. Mothers of the subjects of the study are subjected to a structured questionnaire far detailed history, thorough physical examination as well as investigations to assess the presence of nosocomial infection and to determine the causative pathogen. In a trial to trace the possible source of nosocomial infection, swabs - from different sites - were taken from the injected neonates, nursing staff, used instruments, as well as the surrounding environment. The results of the study revealed that, the rate of occurrence of nosocomial infection is estimated to be 54%. The use of invasive techniques, prematurity as well as low birth weight are considered risk factors for occurrence of neonatal sepsis in a percentage of 96.21%, 77.77% and 88.86% respectively. Home deliveries as well as normal vaginal deliveries showed higher frequency of statistical significance far the occurrence of nosocomial infection. About 1/4 of neonates diagnosed as having nosocomial infection, died. The microorganism profile of those diagnosed as nosocomial infection showed that the most prevalent organism is coagulase +ve staphylococcus [55.5%], followed by Klebsilla 37%, serratia and enterobacter in a percentage of 7.4% for each, streptococci and candida [3.7% for each]. The results of swabs taken from the neonates, the nursing staff as well as the surrounding organisms showed the same organisms. So, prevention of nosocomial infection is the responsibility of health care team personnel through the application of effective hospital infection surveillance and control system especially in NICUs