Observations on the bacteriology and epidemiology of nursery infections

Factors Influencing the Establishment of the Neonatal Bacterial Flora

“…The prevalence of S aureus, for example, ranges widely even without use of antibacterial soaps or antibiotics. 5 Most observers find the newborn skin sterile during the first hours of life but others report the presence of several organisms. 6 ,7 Nearly all agree that Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, and betahemolytic streptococcus are absent from the respiratory tract but the reverse has been reported.B,g A basic understanding of the normal flora requires simultaneous analysis of multiple variables in a large population of newborns.…”

Factors Influencing the Establishment of the Neonatal Bacterial Flora

“…17 ,19-21 Gowns worn by the staff in our nursery were not colonized with tS aureU$, contrary to other reports. 17 The positive value of continuous bacteriological surveillance is difficult to evaluate.…”

The Staphylococcus and the Newborn Child

“…The latter may provide a portal of entry as well as a suitable area for localization and multiplication of any staphylococci lodging there. Hardyment et al (1960) admit to chemical irritation by silver nitrate prophylaxis but think that there is insufficient evidence to justify the discontinuation or replacement of silver nitrate solution for prophylaxis against conjunctivitis. Their grounds for advising this measure are that they believe that after combating " clinical conjunctivitis " due to the staphylococcus their remaining problem was chiefly the prophylaxis of gonorrhoeal ophthalmia.…”

“…These surveys showed that despite the lessening in staphylococcal disease the carrier rate remained virtually the same (Table IIl). 1960-Chemical Substances Used on Skin of Infants Many workers have studied the application of substances such as hexachlorophane and chlorhexidine to the skin of the baby in attempts to kill any staphylococcu; lodging there (Hardyment, 1954;Gillespie et al, 1958;Hill et al, 1959 ;Simpson et al, 1960). Hill et al, at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, by "dry washing" babies with hexachlorophane emulsion, reported a reduction in staphylococcal disease in six months from 15% to 1.3% of the babies born.…”