Prospective Whole-Genome Sequencing to Identify Bacterial Transmission and Its Modifiers in Neonates

Can prospective whole-genome sequencing identify bacterial transmission events and associated factors in a neonatal intensive care unit?In this cohort study, 51.8% of participants were colonized with at least 1 bacterial strain with antibiotic resistance or epidemic potential, and 34.0% of colonizations were linked to transmission. Increased full-time nurse staffing and prior antibiotic exposure were associated with a lower risk of transmission-linked colonization, while vascular catheter use was associated with an increased risk.This study suggests that whole-genome sequencing can identify bacterial transmission events and help identify modifying factors for colonization in newborn infants in intensive care.

Corresponding Author: Philipp Henneke, MD, Institute for Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 115 b, 3. OG, 79106 Freiburg, Germany (philipp.henneke@uniklinik-freiburg.de).

Link to the article in your story

We encourage you to link out to this article in your story using the link below. It includes an access token that will give free access to the article for your readers up to one year after publication. (The link will be live after the article publishes and embargo is lifted.)

Please see the article for additional information, including full author list, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

Need more information? Contact us.