Characterizing the burden of invasive Pseudomonas infection on neonatal units in the UK between 2005 and 2011

Summary Concern about Pseudomonas infection in neonatal units has focused on outbreaks. This study analysed cases of invasive Pseudomonas infection in 18 UK neonatal units participating in the NeonIN Neonatal Infection Surveillance Network from January 2005 to December 2011. Forty-two cases were reported. The majority (35/42, 93%) of cases were late-onset (median 14 days, range 2–262 days), the highest incidence was seen in extremely-low-birthweight infants and all cases were sporadic. One-third of cases were known to be colonized prior to invasive disease. Attributable mortality was 18%. Opportunities for preventing invasive disease due to this important pathogen should be prioritized.