Control of infection in a neonatal nursery

Excretion ofEscherichia coli 04 affecting babies with diarrhea, was investigated in a neonatal nursery. Two episodes of infection occurred separated by a period of about three months. In the second outbreak of 21 babies excretingE. coli 04, 11 had diarrhea and 10 appeared to be healthy. Diarrhea occurred more frequently in preterm infants fed by means of nasogastric tubes than in those who were bottle and breast fed. Washings from the feeding tubes in culture showedE. coli 04 in two tubes andPseud monas andStaphylococcus aureus in others. Measures taken to control the spread of infection are described. Hand hygiene was considered to be particularly important.