Bacteria Affecting Babies
The vast majority of newborns enter the world healthy, however they are particularly susceptible to certain infections much more so than older children and adults as their new immune systems aren’t adequately developed. An infection is an illness caused by a germ that enters the body.
Newborn babies and especially premature babies are more likely to develop an infection because their immune systems are not fully mature. The most common types of infection are meningitis, which is infection of the brain and spinal column, septicaemia which is generalised infection of the blood stream and pneumonia.
After birth, the baby is exposed to germs in the outside world. Though the wards are kept as clean as possible and nurses and other health professionals are very strict about hand hygiene, there is still a chance that babies can get an infection because germs are everywhere.
Types of bacteria that can lead to infection in babies are:
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Staphyloccocus Aureus and MRSA
You have probably heard about MRSA in hospitals due to the recent closures of several neo natal and maternity units but did you know that some strains are also appearing in the home and community. |
 Click here for more facts on Staphyloccocus Aureus and MRSA.
- Staphyloccocus Aureus (S.aureus) are bacteria that are often carried harmlessly in the nostrils or throat, or on the skin. About 1 in 3 people carry Staphyloccocus Aureus most of the time and can shed it in skin scales etc.
- S. aureus can cause skin infections such as boils and sores and can occur in people with reduced immunity like premature and newborn babies. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream during medical treatment for example at an insertion sites with invasive devices or feeding tubes if premature. After delivery there is a risk that bacteria can enter the body through the raw umbilicus due to handling of the baby.
- MRSA (methicillin resistant S.aureus) is a strain of S.aureus that resists many antibiotics. Though infections with MRSA are initially no more severe than for ordinary S.aureus, they are difficult to treat with antibiotics and may become more serious before they are controlled.
- MRSA bacteria may be passed from person to person by skin contact. The most common form of transmission is via the hands.
- When someone living in the home is infected or carrying MRSA, the bacteria they shed can also be spread via surfaces frequently touched by different people.
- When someone comes into contact with MRSA bacteria, there is a chance they will start to carry them on their body long term. Infection can occur however, normally only in someone with reduced immunity and cut or fragile damaged skin.
- MRSA carried on the skin could also be transferred to vulnerable people for example the skin of the healthcare workers to their patients.
- Though MRSA resists antibiotics it is easily killed by the Precious Protechtor clothing range.
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| Though the risks of infection with MRSA in the home are still small in comparison to the hospital setting, there are still more people who may be infected more easily and the less this bug spreads in the hospital, home and the community the better. |
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E Coli
Escherichia coli (E.coli) is another bacterial culprit behind some common neonatal infections and can lead to urinary tract infections, sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia.
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- Everyone carries E.coli in their bodies and babies can become infected during childbirth when they pass through the birth canal or by coming into contact with the bacteria in the hospital or at home.
- Most newborns who become ill from the E.coli infection have particularly fragile immune systems that make them particularly vulnerable to getting sick.
- Some new E.coli strains are emerging that are antibiotic resistant. Though the symptoms are no more severe, this makes the infections they cause very difficult to treat.
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Klebsiella Pneumonia
You may have heard that recently there had been a closure of a neonatal unit in the UK due to a Klebsiella outbreak. |
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Click here for more facts on Klebsiella Pneumonia
- Klebsiella pneumonia belong to a group of bacteria called the Enterobacteriaceae family.
- Species of Klebsiella pneumonia are commonly found in the environment and can colonise sites such as the skin or gastrointestinal tract in humans.
- Klebsiella pneumonia infections tend to occur in people with a weakened immune system.
- Infections can be caused by hospital contact or in the community.
- The most common infection caused by Klebsiella bacteria outside the hospital is pneumonia.
- Many hospital acquired infections occur because of the invasive treatments required particularly in the neo natal unit.
- Klebsiella which can be acquired from the nursery environment can cause neonatal meningitis.
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This content is not intended nor does it replace individual professional advice.
Please contact a healthcare professional if your baby shows any signs of the above. |
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Neonatal infections that aren’t treated promptly or that spread can have serious consequences. Babies’ bodies and organs are undergoing rapid development and any interruption in that process can lead to complications including growth, developmental, neurological, cardiac, respiratory and sensory problems.
With their fragile new immune systems, babies are not well equipped to deal with infection. Premature or otherwise immunocompromised babies are at an even greater risk of developing a critical disease from bacterium. |
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