PREVALÊNCIA E PERFIL DE RESISTÊNCIA BACTERIANA EM RECÉM-NASCIDOS NA UTI NEONATAL: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant challenge in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), primarily affecting newborns due to their immature immunity. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and bacterial resistance profile in newborns admitted to the NICU, based on a literature review. The research followed an exploratory-descriptive design with a qualitative approach, and data were obtained from articles published between 2019 and 2024 in the Google Scholar, SciELO, and PubMed databases. The search was structured with keywords such as "prevalence of bacterial resistance," "neonatal ICU," "hospital infection," and "bacterial resistance profile," covering articles available in both Portuguese and English. The results showed that the most prevalent bacteria in the NICU include Pantoea agglomerans, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida parapsilosis, MR (methicillin-resistant) bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. The studies highlighted the complexity of bacterial infections, the diversity of pathogens, and the need for early diagnosis to ensure effective treatment. Antimicrobial resistance, especially among Gram-negative bacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci, remains an ongoing challenge, requiring stringent prevention and monitoring strategies. Therefore, monitoring the microbiological profile in neonatal ICUs is essential to improve prevention and treatment strategies, reducing infection rates and antimicrobial resistance. The evidence underscores the importance of early interventions and targeted therapies to control these infections in vulnerable neonates.