MULTIRESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS-HAEMOLYTICUS IN A NEONATAL UNIT IN NEW-DELHI

We describe a cluster of infections in a neonatal nursery due to an in frequently reported staphylococcal species, Staphylococcus haemolyticu s. S. haemolyticus resistant to penicillin, methicillin, gentamicin, e rythromycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline (PMGECT) was isolated fr om a series of infections in neonates (conjunctivitis 6, blood 2, pust ules 2) over a period of 3 weeks in a neonatal nursery. Surveillance c ultures from 22 neonates, their mothers in an adjacent maternity ward and staff revealed that S. haemolyticus with three resistance patterns (PMGECT, PMG and PME) was circulating in the unit. It was isolated fr om two caesarian wounds, the nose/ear/umbilicus of six asymptomatic in fants and from the noses of three mothers and one nurse. S. haemolytic us showed a higher frequency of resistance to antibiotics than Staphyl ococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from the unit a t the same time. Local and asymptomatic infections were treated with l ocal neosporin application whereas netilmicin was used to treat system ic infection. Infections were controlled by emphasising the importance of handwashing, asepsis and eye care.