The effect of antibiotic rotation on colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacilli in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: This study was designed to test whether rotation of antibiotics can reduce colonization with resistant Gram-negative bacilli in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: A monthly rotation of gentamicin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftazidime was compared with unrestricted antibiotic use in side-by-side NICU populations (rotation team vs control team). Pharyngeal and rectal samples were obtained 3 times a week and tested for Gram-negative bacilli resistant to each of the rotation antibiotics.

Molecular epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacilli in a neonatal intensive care unit during a nonoutbreak period.

Objective: Gram-negative organisms that are resistant to parenteral antibiotics are a growing threat to hospitalized patients. This study was conducted to define the epidemiologic characteristics of these organisms during a nonoutbreak period in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: Nasopharyngeal and rectal swab specimens were obtained 3 times a week from every infant in a tertiary care NICU during a 12-month period.