# Association of pandemic precautions and Staphylococcus aureus in the NICU

## TL;DR

A study found that pandemic precautions in NICUs did not reduce Staphylococcus aureus infections in newborns.

## Contribution

The study is novel in comparing pandemic-era infection control measures to pre-pandemic S. aureus transmission in NICUs.

## Key findings

- Pandemic precautions did not lower S. aureus acquisition rates in NICUs.
- Infection prevention practices reduced SARS-CoV-2 but not S. aureus transmission.
- Staphylococcus aureus incidence remained unchanged before and during the pandemic.

## Abstract

In a retrospective cohort of 6363 neonates admitted to three NICUs, there was no reduction in Staphylococcus aureus acquisition when comparing pre- and post-pandemic incidence rates. While additional infection prevention practices introduced during the pandemic helped prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, these practices may not have reduced S. aureus transmission to infants.