Epidemiological Study of Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Conjunctivitis in a Level III Neonatal Unit. (20th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dias, Catarina; Gonçalves, Márcia; João, Anabela
• Other Names: Aquavella James Academic Editor.; Pablo Luis Academic Editor.; Unlu Kaan Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-05-20
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/163582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Conjunctivitis is one of the most frequently occurring hospital-acquired infections among neonates, although it is less studied than potentially life-threatening infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia. Objectives . The aims of our work were to identify epidemiologic characteristics, pathogens, and susceptibility patterns of bacterial hospital-acquired conjunctivitis (HAC) in a level III neonatal unit. Materials and Methods . Data were collected retrospectively from patient charts and laboratory databases. Hospital-acquired conjunctivitis was defined in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control/National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) diagnostic criteria. Results . One or more episodes of HAC were diagnosed in 4, 0% (n = 60 ) of 1492 neonates admitted during the study period. Most of the episodes involved premature (75, 4%) and low birth weight (75, 4%) neonates. Infection rates were higher among patients undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (46, 7%), parenteral nutrition (13, 6%), and phototherapy (6, 8%). Predominant pathogens included Serratia marcescens (27, 9%), Escherichia coli (23%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%). Susceptibility patterns revealed bacterial resistances to several antibiotic classes. Gentamicin remains the adequate choice for empirical treatment of HAC in our NICU. Conclusion . It is important to know the local patterns of the disease in order to adjust prevention strategies. Our work contributes to the epidemiological characterization of a sometimes overlooked disease.