Methicillin in the control of staphylococcal infections in a nursery and its influence on the staphylococcal colonization of the newborn

Abstract

Methicillin, administered parenterally and by spray, was employed for a limited period in a nursery epidemic of staphylococcus. Immediate cessation of infections was achieved. The use of methicillin resulted in the disappearance of the offending phage Group III staphylococci, and a very considerable, reduction in the incidence of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci persisted after cessation of the drug regimen. Nasal colonization of infants with coagulase-positive staphylococci was effectively prevented during the period of methicillin administration. Umbilical colonization was prevented by a combination of parenteral and spray administration of methicillin, but not by the spray alone. The distribution and types of staphylococci in the personnel and environment were profoundly affected by methicillin.