Bacterial colonization of newborn infants in an intensive care unit.

Bacterial screening of external ear, umbilical and gastric fluid samples from infants at admission to the intensive care unit yielded opportunistic pathogens in 22% and 12% in the years 1980 and 1982, respectively. As a result of improved hygienic measures and more rational use of antibiotics, bacterial colonization of infants staying longer than 3 days decreased from 56% to 19%. Antibiotic treatment is not indicated if opportunistic pathogens except Streptococcus agalactiae (group B), are cultured from infants without clinical symptoms.