(119) Epidemiology and Microbiology of Admission Surveillance Nasal Swabs in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(nicu) and Their Association with Subsequent Infections

Background: Newborns, especially preterm infants, are highly susceptible to sepsis, a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Known risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight, prolonged NICU stay, and use of central venous catheters. The link between early nasal colonization (within the first week of life) and later infections is unclear. Although many NICUs screen for Staphylococcus aureus using nasal swabs, the predictive value of early colonization by other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is not well understood. In our NICU, admission nasal swabs were sent for aerobic cultures to detect these organisms, highlighting the need for further research into their clinical significance and associated risk factors.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to identify epidemiological risk factors associated with early nasal colonization by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as detected by aerobic cultures from surveillance swabs in neonates. The secondary aim is to examine the relationship between initial nasal colonization and the development of subsequent infections caused by these organisms during the NICU stay.

Design/Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of neonates admitted to our Level IV NICU from July 2021 to June 2023 with positive aerobic cultures from admission nasal swabs. Only infants under one week old on admission were included. Data collected included demographics, birth details, hospitalization course, and episodes of culture-positive sepsis. A total of 250 neonates met inclusion criteria. We are analyzing associations between maternal and neonatal risk factors (e.g., race, maternal age, prematurity, low birth weight, antenatal infections) and nasal colonization, as well as links between colonizing organisms and later infections. Statistical methods include chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results will be available by July 2025.

Results: I am submitting this as a WIP abstract. We are currently doing data analysis and will have the results by August 01, 2025.

Conclusions: I am submitting this as a WIP abstract. We are currently doing data analysis and will have the conclusions by August 01, 2025.