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.