Background and aims S.aureus is the second most common pathogen causing late onset septicemia in NICUs, particularly in premature infants with very low birth weight. Poorly developed host defence mechanisms, the necessity for central venous catheters, invasive procedures, poor skin integrity, prolonged total parenteral nutrition and the use of steroids or antimicrobial agents all increase the risk of staphylococcal infection in premature infants.

We describe the changing epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus infections in NICU at Leeds over 2008–2013 using laboratory and clinical data.

Method Leeds neonatal service experienced an increased number of cases of Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation and bacteraemia in 2008–2009. A series of infection control interventions were implemented stepwise including:

• asepsis training.

• weekly screening.

• adoption of the Saving Lives central venous catheter package,

• daily antiseptic skin washes in neonates >28 weeks.

• 2% Chlorhexidine for skin asepsis prior to invasive procedures.

• Download figure
• Open in new tab
• Download powerpoint

Abstract PO-0552 Figure 1

ResultsThere has been a noticeable success in reduction in MRSA infections and no bacteraemia has been reported since 2009 (Graph 1). A similar improvement has not been seen in Meticillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteraemia.

A retrospective review carried out to review MSSA bacteraemia since 2008: 71% (27 of 38) cases were in neonates under 28 weeks, a vulnerable cohort currently excluded from daily skin washes.

Conclusions Given an association between MSSA colonisation and infection, further work should investigate infection control strategies that effectively target the highest risk groups and include active surveillance for MSSA and MRSA with subsequent decolonization.