ABSTRACT
The acquisition of Staphylococcus aureus by the newborn in the early neonatal period is common. Most such acquisitions are
not followed by infection, although the potential for serious infection increases
in the intensive care unit setting. Attack rates for infection are quite variable,
but outbreaks have occurred on many occasions. Although some bacterial virulence factors,
such as exfoliative toxins, are associated with outbreaks, most epidemic strains do
not have well-defined virulence factors that can be incriminated. There are many possible
control measures, but the implementation of these are balanced by the existing circumstances
and perceived cost. As methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) becomes endemic in hospital settings, these bacteria are becoming much more
common in nursery outbreaks. Over time, antibiotic selection and enhanced disease
causation will lead to the evolution of hypervirulent MRSA clones. The latter will
become an increasing problem unless effectively controlled.
KEYWORDS
Staphylococcus aureus, newborn - outbreak - infection - MRSA
