Nosocomial infection in neonates - Inevitable or preventable?

In the neonatal intensive care unit population the nosocomial infection rate is highest in the lowest-birth-weight infants. It is this group of infants who require the most therapeutic interventions to support them leading to frequent invasive procedures and the longest exposure to the hospital environment. However, infection rates vary from one unit to another, suggesting that there are differences in either how infection rates are determined or the care provided in the various units. This article will describe nosocomial infections and rates in the neonatal intensive care unit and identify strategies of care to minimize the risks of nosocomial infection in low-birth-weight infants.