Publication: Nosocomial <i>Citrobacter</i> Infection in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a Hospital of Nepal
Date
2011
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN 1990-7974 eISSN 1990-7982
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 105 - 109
Publisher
Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Neonatal Citrobacter infection is either acquired horizontally or vertically as a nosocomial infection. The source of nosocomial Citrobacter is either hands of medical staff or the innate objects.
Objective: The aim of this study was to study nosocomial Citrobacter infection in neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and trace the source of infection.
Methods: The study was conducted in NICU in a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal during a period of January to March 2010. Specimens were collected from neonates, hands of medical staff and innate objects and were processed using a standard microbiological method.
Results: The prevalence of neonatal nosocomial infection was 32.6% (29/89). Citrobacter spp. was isolated in 11 neonates admitted in NICU with the prevalence rate of 37.9% (11/29) among other pathogens. Umbilical cord infection was most common (n=8). These isolates were grouped into five antibiotypes (I, 4; II, 3; III, 2; IV, I; V, 1). All of these isolates were multi-drug resistant showing susceptibility towards quinolones. The isolate of Citrobacter spp. was also recovered from a nasal prong which was grouped with 4 other clinical strains.
Conclusion: Multi-drug resistant nosocomial Citrobacter spp. was inflicting neonates in NICU and the source of this pathogen was traced to nasal prong. Nosocomial Citrobacter infection is a common problem of neonates in NICU. This will lead to increase neonatal mortality if infection prevention and control practices are not initiated.
Description
Sanu Bhai Khadka
Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu
Badri Thapa
Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu and Genesis Laboratory and Research, Kathmandu
Kishori Mahat
Genesis Laboratory and Research, Kathmandu
Keywords
Neonates, Citrobacter spp., nasal prong, infection control, Nepal
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i2.4094