BACKGROUND: We observed previously that newborn infants are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, even if their mothers do not carry S aureus. This observation indicated a cross colonization, and, thus, a risk for nosocomial infection, although the infants are roomed in with their mothers. METHODS: The S aureus colonization of infants, their parents, and staff members was measured at 3 maternity units. Possible transmission routes were determined using spa typing of S aureus isolates. RESULTS: Infants had the highest S aureus carriage (45%) compared with fathers (39%), mothers (27%), and staff members (27%). In 13 out of 44 colonized infants, transmission from staff members was indicated. This transmission was more frequent than was transmission from their own parents (11 cases), and occurred even in cases when parents were colonized with S aureus of other spa types. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm a high level of transmission of S aureus from staff members to infants, indicating a risk for patient safety, which necessitates continuing work with implementing scientific evidence for infection control. The spa typing is a rapid and valuable epidemiological tool, and it can be used in improving hospital hygiene control programs.
BACKGROUND: We observed previously that newborn infants are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, even if their mothers do not carry S aureus. This observation indicated a cross colonization, and, thus, a risk for nosocomial infection, although the infants are roomed in with their mothers. METHODS: The S aureus colonization of infants, their parents, and staff members was measured at 3 maternity units. Possible transmission routes were determined using spa typing of S aureus isolates. RESULTS:Infants had the highest S aureus carriage (45%) compared with fathers (39%), mothers (27%), and staff members (27%). In 13 out of 44 colonized infants, transmission from staff members was indicated. This transmission was more frequent than was transmission from their own parents (11 cases), and occurred even in cases when parents were colonized with S aureus of other spa types. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm a high level of transmission of S aureus from staff members to infants, indicating a risk for patient safety, which necessitates continuing work with implementing scientific evidence for infection control. The spa typing is a rapid and valuable epidemiological tool, and it can be used in improving hospital hygiene control programs.
Authors: Karina A Top; Richard C Huard; Zachary Fox; Fann Wu; Susan Whittier; Phyllis Della-Latta; Lisa Saiman; Adam J Ratner Journal: J Clin Microbiol Date: 2010-08-04 Impact factor: 5.948
Authors: Maria Luísa Moura; Camila Fonseca Rizek; Elisa Aguiar; Ana Natiele da Silva Barros; Sibeli Costa; Sania Alves Dos Santos; Ana Paula Marchi; Maria Augusta Bento Cicaroni Gibelli; Carla Regina Tragante; Maria Rita Elmor de Araújo; Flavia Rossi; Thais Guimaraes; Silvia Figueiredo Costa Journal: Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo Date: 2022-09-30 Impact factor: 2.169
Authors: S Mernelius; E Carlsson; J Henricson; S Löfgren; P-E Lindgren; R Ehricht; S Monecke; A Matussek; C D Anderson Journal: Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis Date: 2016-05-19 Impact factor: 3.267