Colonization and infection in the newborn infant: Does chlorhexidine play a role in infection prevention

Healthcare-associated infections are a major
problem in newborn infants, considering their
high morbidity, mortality, and long-term
sequelae. In preterm infants, it has been shown
that skin and gastrointestinal tract colonization
undergoes variations compared to healthy
term infants, and that preterm infants are more
exposed to nosocomial microorganisms given
their higher probability of being admitted to
the neonatal intensive care unit where they are
cared for.
This document reviews normal colonization,
the changes observed during hospitalization,
prematurity, and the potential role of chlorhexidine
in the prevention of resistant microorganism
transmission, as well as its side effects in newborn
infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.