title: Nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care units.
abstract: Nosocomial infection rates in neonatal intensive care units range from 5% to 25%. Both endemic and epidemic infections have been documented, with causative agents including gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and viruses. This paper reviews the host, maternal, and environmental factors that influence susceptibility of neonates. Usual preventive measures, such as nursery design, staff apparel, handwashing, employee health, and neonatal care, as well as epidemic control measures to minimize infection risks and limit transmission of infectious organisms, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Donowitz
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000592:standards*