New Model Proposed to Prevent Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Vulnerable Newborns
A novel preventative strategy for Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infections in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates-inspired by successful Group B Streptococcus (GBS) prevention protocols-is outlined in a recent study published in The Lancet microbe.The research, appearing in the May 2024 issue, details a framework for screening mothers for S. aureus colonization and implementing targeted decolonization strategies, potentially reducing severe illness and mortality in at-risk infants.
VLBW infants, born before 32 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1500 grams, are disproportionately susceptible to S.aureus infections, which can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, and necrotizing enterocolitis.While GBS screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis have dramatically decreased GBS-related neonatal morbidity and mortality, S. aureus remains a notable threat. Researchers Piewngam and Otto propose adapting the GBS model-including maternal screening, targeted treatment, and ongoing surveillance-to address the rising incidence of S. aureus colonization and infection in this vulnerable population.
The proposed model centers on identifying pregnant women colonized with S. aureus through vaginal-rectal swabs. Positive cases would undergo decolonization treatment, potentially with topical antibiotics, prior to delivery. This approach aims to minimize vertical transmission-from mother to infant-and reduce the risk of early-onset S. aureus infection. The study highlights the increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) colonization, further emphasizing the need for proactive intervention.
Data from the National Vital Statistics Report indicate 3,661,005 births in the United States in 2022 (Osterman et al., 2024). While the exact percentage of VLBW infants colonized with S.aureus is still under examination, the potential impact of a preventative strategy is significant. Researchers emphasize the importance of further studies to determine the optimal decolonization protocols, assess the long-term effects of antibiotic use, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of widespread screening programs.
