Control of Infections in the Newborn Nursery

Abstract

The most hopeful approach to control of infections in neonates is prevention. This should begin with recognition and therapy of infections in pregnant women. Signs of infection in young infants are subtle; early recognition requires close observation, a high index of suspicion, and use of laboratory aids such as blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid examinations, and sensitivity studies. Besides antimicrobial therapy, supportive measures are necessary. Bactericidal agents are better than bacteriostatic ones. The drugs selected should be effective against the common pathogens if the invading microorganism is unknown. Their potential beneficial effect must outweigh their potential toxicity.