Health Care–Associated Infections Among Neonates During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Did health care–associated infection (HAI) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) decrease with enhanced infection prevention measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic?In this cohort study, among 41 889 infants admitted to 11 NICUs, viral HAI rates significantly decreased and lower rates persisted during the late pandemic period, despite increasing community viral infection rates. Rates of bacterial or fungal HAI among 48 475 infants admitted to 12 NICUs were unchanged and did not correlate with the site-specific change of viral HAI.The findings of this study suggest that enhanced infection prevention measures implemented during the pandemic may be beneficial during a high viral burden season; however, reduction in bacterial or fungal HAI will likely require additional or different interventions.

Corresponding Author: Sagori Mukhopadhyay, MD, MMSc, CHOP Newborn Care at Pennsylvania Hospital, 2nd Floor, Cathcart Building, 800 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (mukhopadhs@chop.edu).

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