Infection Prevention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Hospitalized neonates are uniquely vulnerable to health care-associated infections (HAIs), which are associated with increased mortality, increased length of stay, and health care costs, and risk of neurodevelopmental disability among survivors.1-3 In the United States, incidence of neonatal central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) declined significantly from 2007 to 2012, although rates have plateaued recently.4,5 Global estimates suggest a significantly higher burden of HAI among hospitalized neonates in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).6,7 Infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies that address both patients and their