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A prospective study of staphylococcal infection and its prevention among infants and mothers after childbirth in hospital and at home

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

K. G. Baber
Affiliation:
Departments of Bacteriology, Child Health and Public Health, University of Bristol
Beryl Corner
Affiliation:
Departments of Bacteriology, Child Health and Public Health, University of Bristol
Ethel H. L. Duncan
Affiliation:
Departments of Bacteriology, Child Health and Public Health, University of Bristol
Sheila M. Eades
Affiliation:
Departments of Bacteriology, Child Health and Public Health, University of Bristol
W. A. Gillespie
Affiliation:
Departments of Bacteriology, Child Health and Public Health, University of Bristol
Sarah C. B. Walker
Affiliation:
Departments of Bacteriology, Child Health and Public Health, University of Bristol
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Staphylococcal colonization and infection were studied prospectively in infants, mothers and households after childbirth at home and in hospital. Infants were treated prophylactically with frequent applications of ‘Ster-zac’ hexachlorophane dusting powder. Some were treated in addition with ‘Naseptin’ nasal disinfectant cream.

The incidence of staphylococcal sepsis in infants was much less than before the adoption of hexachlorophane prophylaxis. The sepsis rate was further reduced when ‘Naseptin’ was used in addition to hexachlorophane. Of the two prophylactic agents, hexachlorophane was the more convenient and probably the more effective. ‘Naseptin’ was difficult to employ correctly and unsuitable for routine use.

The treatment of infants with disinfectants reduced nasal carriage markedly in infants and to a smaller extent in mothers. Both agents contributed to the reductions which persisted for some weeks after treatment ceased.

Breast abscesses were almost entirely confined to mothers of infants who became nasal carriers by the second week of life.

Staphylococcal colonization of infant's skin was greater when they wore impervious garments, probably because skin moisture increased.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1967

References

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