Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units at ATertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) play a vital role in the treatment of life-threatening conditions in newborns. The presence of bacterial contamination on instruments and surfaces within NICUs is a significant factor contributing to the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the bacterial contamination on instruments and surfaces that are frequently handled by healthcare staff and are often in contact with neonates in the NICU. Methods: The study was carried out in the NICU of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. A total of 185 samples were collected from various surfaces and instruments utilized in the NICU. The study involved the isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolates. Blood culture isolates from NICU patients were compared with environmental isolates. Results: Bacterial growth was identified in 121 of the 185 samples. The potential pathogens detected included E. coli (n=28), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=27), and Staphylococcus aureus (n=18). Most E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found on incubators and mothers' beds, while the majority of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from air conditioning units. The majority of isolates showed susceptibility to imipenem, amikacin, and gentamicin. Conclusion: A notable degree of bacterial contamination was found on objects and instruments in the NICU. E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus present a significant risk for nosocomial infections. The blood culture findings from neonates suggest a potential risk of hospital-acquired infections stemming from contaminated sources. For empirical treatment of suspected nosocomial infections in the NICU, imipenem, amikacin, and gentamicin may be considered effective options.