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Hazards of handling


M. Lunat
B. Singer
J.G. Cruickshank
J. Wolfsdorf

Abstract

A study of the bacterial flora among infants, mothers, staff (nursing and medical), and the environment of a neonatal unit is outlined. On admission to the unit, 60,5% of babies were already infected, presumably from contact with medical staff. By day 15 this number had increased significantly. A large number of mothers (40% on day 1, and 91% on day 15) were found to be carrying pathogenic organisms, providing a significant bacterial reservoir in the unit. Few pathogens were isolated from the environment.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1165 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574