Profiles of microorganisms isolated from neonates’ blood cultures, incubators, cradles, ventilators, washbasins, and health-workers of Libreville University Hospital Neonatal Service: focus on infection prevention and control measures

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infection outbreaks in neonatal services are a serious healthcare concern in both developed and developing countries, but few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the etiology of septicemia in neonates and associated patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility in Gabon. METHODS: We analyzed cultures from neonates’ blood and swabs from medical personnel and equipment located in the neonatology service. RESULTS: Sixty-eight microorganisms were isolated from the medical personnel and equipment; 46 microorganisms were isolated from neonates’ blood culture. Klebsiella pneumoniae spp pneumoniae was the most common bacteria found in both (30.6% and 26.9%, respectively). All Klebsiella pneumoniae spp pneumonia isolates were resistant to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, gentamycin resistance ranged from 93% to 100%, and cephalosporin resistance ranged from 33.3% to 47%. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the etiology, prevalence, and outcome of nosocomial infection is the first and most important step to appropriate interventions.