Risk factors associated with the exposure of neonates to acinetobacters through the ingestion of infant formula in NICUs

Acinetobacter is gaining importance as a pathogen in intensive care units (ICUs) due to the numerous outbreaks reported and the severity of the infections caused. Of particular interest in this project are neonates whose immune systems have not fully developed and affected by their prematurity, low birth weight, or various other conditions. The vulnerability of these neonates combined with the multidrug resistance of the clinical isolates of this organism poses a real threat to neonates. The understanding of its pathogenicity is still at an elementary stage despite the clinical evidence of nosocomial infections, and the concern of the FAOWHO (2006) regarding neonatal health due to the consumption of powdered infant formula (PIF). The ingestion of contaminated infant formula is a particularly unexplored mechanism of acquiring Acinetobacter infections. Therefore, this research work aimed to analyse the potential risk factors associated with the consumption of a contaminated infant formula administered enterally.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Nottingham Trent University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Juma, NAH

Language dc:language

en