Nosocomial colonization with Klebsiella, type 26, in a neonatal intensive-care unit associated with an outbreak of sepsis, meningitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis

Extensive colonization with a multiple antibiotic-resistant strain of type 26 Klebsiella pneumoniae in a neonatal ICU was followed in 12 patients by significant infections including sepsis, meningitis, peritonitis, and pyelonephritis. In addition, six of the 12 patients developed necrotizing enterocolitis. An average of 50% of the infants in the ICU harbored the organism during the period of the epidemic, and 25% of newly admitted infants acquired the strain. K. pneumoniae continues to be a significant pathogen in debilitated neonates where nosocomial colonization of the respiratory and/or enteric tract may be associated with an increased risk of systemic infection.