Enterobacter colonization and infection in a single NICU center: retrospective investigation of implemented preventive measures after an outbreak

Here we reported the impact during a 6 year-period of preventive measures implemented after an Enterobacter outbreak inside a NICU. During this period, Enterobacter was isolated in 469 patients and 30 patients developed an infection. Preventive measures and education of medical staff were not associated with a significant decrease in patient colonization but led to a persistent decrease of cephalosporins use in the NICU. Genetic diversity was observed among strains involved, supporting rather the hypothesis of multiple hygiene defect than the diffusion of a single clone. The fight against implantation and transmission of Enterobacter in NICUs remains a major challenge