[Epidemics of Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal care unit].

The work describes an epidemic infection by Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus in a N.I.C.U. which took place during the first six months of 1986. Hospital systemic infection supported by M.R.S.A. are frequently noticed in N.I.C.U. This is related, on the one side with a selection of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains inside the hospital premises and, on the other side with increased survival of high infectious risk neonates who are subjected to invasive medical manoeuvres. The cases reported include 7 neonates (5 of which were preterms) who were affected by a severe sepsis. From an epidemiological study it appeared that M.R.S.A. strain was introduced in N.I.C.U. by a neonate coming from the surgery after being operated for a diaphragmatic hernia. The isolation and the treatment of the carriers, the severe asepsis and the systematic disinfection of the Unit made it possible to eradicate the infectious strain. The infected neonates have been treated with an aimed antibiotic therapy, especially with Vancomycin, administration of blood and/or fresh plasma and/or immunoglobulins and/or concentrated granulocytes. The outcome was favourable for 3 neonates; of the others, 1 showed post-infectious neurological sequelae and 3 died (they were however affected by other severe associated diseases).