Reduced nosocomial infection rate in a neonatal intensive care unit during a 4-year surveillance period

Abstract Background Hospital-acquired infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The aim of the study was to investigate the change of nosocomial infection rate in a NICU during a 4-year surveillance period. Methods We investigated the changes in nosocomial infection rates, infection sites, and microorganism species in a NICU before and after the unit was moved to a new location, extending from November 2008 to October 2012.The new facility was opened on November 1, 2010 and the old NICU was closed on the same day. In the meantime, three catheter-based bundles were implemented in the new NICU and all intensive care units in our hospital due to the new policy. Data collection was performed by independent, experienced infection control nurses. Results A total of 512 neonates were admitted to the NICU and enrolled in this study. There were 242 infants who were admitted to the old NICU, and 270 infants in the new facility. During the study period, the rate of infection episodes decreased from 19.0% to 11.1% ( P  = 0.01). Additionally, the average hospital-acquired infection rate decreased from 6.26 cases per 1000 patient-days to 4.09 cases per 1000 patient-days ( P  = 0.03). The most common infection site was blood stream infection, which decreased from 8.3% to 3.7% ( P  = 0.03). The total catheter-related infection rates of the blood stream, lower respiratory tract, and urinary tract decreased from 13.6% to 5.9% ( P  = 0.003). Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli , Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were the most frequently found pathogens in the old NICU, whereas MRSA, CoNS, E. faecalis, and A. baumannii were the most frequently found pathogens in the new NICU. Conclusion The change in the environment and implementation of device bundles in the NICU might be associated with the nosocomial infection rate.