Nosocomial neonatal septic arthritis.

Between August 1993 and August 1994, 17 cases of neonatal septic arthritis occurred at the intensive care baby unit of Princess Badia' Teaching Hospital in Northern Jordan. Klebsiella species was the causative pathogen in 10 patients (59%), which indicates a nosocomial acquired infection. The hip was the main joint involved in 94% of cases. An epidemiological survey showed that the spread of Klebsiella occurred via contaminated covered sheets of both delivery and resuscitation tables. Control measures resulted in a decrease in cross contamination and a dramatic slowing of the outbreak. The clinical features, risk factors, outcome and bacteriology are also discussed.