[Nosocomial infections in pediatric and neonatal intensive care: an epidemiological update].

Hospital-acquired infection (nosocomial infection) is a world-wide problem. The peculiar susceptibility of newborns and children, the widespread use of antibiotics, advances in hospital practice, have resulted in an increased incidence and recognition of neonatal and pediatric bacterial nosocomial infections. The aim of this review is to present an update on epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections, quoting recent and relevant papers on this topic. Main risk factors for the neonatal and the pediatric intensive care infections are presented, respectively. Emerging antibiotic-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in intensive care units are also considered. Infection control programmes are necessary to monitor and to prevent nosocomial infections.