Staphylococcal aureus outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units: strategies, nuances, and lessons learned from the frontline. [Review]

Rooney, CM.; Lancaster, R.; McKechnie, L.; Sethi, K.

Staphylococcal aureus outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units: strategies, nuances, and lessons learned from the frontline. [Review]

All Authors

Rooney, CM.

Lancaster, R.

McKechnie, L.

Sethi, K.

LTHT Author

Rooney, Christopher Michael
Lancaster, Rebecca
McKechnie, Liz
Sethi, Kavita
Sethi, Kavita

LTHT Department

Microbiology
Neonatal Services
Leeds Children's Hospital

Publication Date

2024

Item Type

Journal Article
Review

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in neonates can result in significant morbidity and mortality. However, comparatively to adults, neonatal MRSA data remains relatively scarce. Additionally, while evidence-driven practices for adults have seen considerable progress, neonatal infection prevention strategies remain poorly described. The Leeds Newborn Service adopted a series of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures following a rise in MRSA cases in 2008-2009. This narrative review presents IPC measures for neonatal MRSA and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections and reflects upon local challenges and successes of these interventions. Our experience underscores the importance of an adaptive, evidence-based strategy, tailored to the neonatal population. Effectively addressing MRSA/MSSA requires continuous monitoring with sustained targeted interventions. Our key learning points highlight the intertwined difficulties of specific neonatal requirements and lack of definitive IPC guidance, suggesting a holistic approach is key for successful IPC outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit setting.