Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if Staphylococcus aureus present in mothers when admitted to the maternity unit of the Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital could be a factor in the development of staphylococcal infection in infants. Biological specimens were collected from one hundred and forty mothers and their infants from September 1, 1959, to January 31, 1960. The specimens were obtained from the nares and external vulva of all mothers upon admission to the maternity unit, and from the nares and head of their infants after delivery. Of the one hundred and forty mothers participating, specimens were also obtained from the external vulva of sixty-six mothers (Group I) following the vulvar preparation in the labor room, and from seventy-four mothers (Group II) following the perineal scrub in the delivery room.

The results of the survey showed a large percentage of mothers (26 per cent) were admitted to the maternity unit with Staphylococcus aureus in the nares, and that a significant percentage (17 percent) had Staphylococcus aureus on the external vulva. Of the sixty-six mothers in Group I, six (9 per cent) had Staphylococcus aureus present upon admission. After the vulvar preparation, four (6 percent) had the organism still present. In the seventy-four mothers in Group II, eighteen (24 per cent) had Staphylococcus aureus present before the scrub. After the perineal scrub, twelve (16 per cent) still had Staphylococcus aureus present on the external vulva. Of the one hundred and forty births, nine (6.5 per cent) of the infants had Staphylococcus aureus identical to that present in the mother. The specific strain was identified by bacteriophage typing.

Is is concluded from this study that Staphylococcus aureus present in the nares and on the external vulva of the mother upon admission to the maternity unit could be a factor in the development of staphylococcal infection in the infant. Since the vulvar preparation and perineal scrub may not be effective in removing the organism from the external vulva of the mother, it is possible that Staphylococcus aureus present at the time of delivery could be transmitted to the infant's skin during birth.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Winifred M. Edwards

Second Advisor

Betty J. Trubey

Third Advisor

Charles E. Winter

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1960

Date (Title Page)

6-1960

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Staphylococcus aureus; Postnatal Care

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 46

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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