Bacterial nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care unit, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt

Effective strategies to prevent nosocomial infections (NI) among neonates in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) require a comprehensive study of epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of NI, associated risk factors, distribution of pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics and calculating the death rates among the studied neonates in the NICU of the Zagazig University Hospital. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted over a period of one year, 418 non infected neonates at admission were included, where; Blood, Pus, CSF and Urine specimen were collected and processed. Results: Out of 418 neonates; 161 (38.5%) developed NI. Most of the infections were caused by Klebsiella (34.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (26.1%). The main neonatal NI was bloodstream infection (58.0%), followed by pneumonia NI (46.0%). Low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity were reported to be important risk factors for NI. Neonates with NI had a significantly prolonged hospital stay. The death rate for NI was 26.7%. Conclusion: High incidence rate of NI in neonates admitted to NICU was documented, particularly premature and low birth weight neonates. Early identification of NI and its risk factors remain the keys to successful management of this condition