Flora in Newborn Infants

Abstract

Marked annual variations in prevalence of several bacteria in the nares and umbilicus of newborns were observed in a four-year survey that included 1,804 infants. Significant differences between highest and lowest seasonal prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus occurred nearly every year among both premature and full-term infants, with a decline in autumn as the most consistent trend. Similar fluctuations occurred, mainly among premature newborns, in prevalence of Escherichia coli and streptococci. In contrast, S epidermidis and Enterobacter organisms showed no cyclical variation.

Hexachlorophene was used only minimally in cleaning the newborns. Skin infections were infrequent, mild, and not seasonal ín distribution.

The basis for prevalence variations is uncertain, but ambient temperature, humidity, and gestational age can be excluded.

These data suggest that cyclical fluctuation in S aureus and other bacteria be considered in evaluating efficacy of routine hexachlorophene bathing or other antibacterial measures in the newborn nursery.