risk reduction was 18.9%. The proportions of infants having
two or more infections also decreased significantly; 38 of
429 (8.9%) vs. 12 of 274 (4.4%), p = 0.02. Analysis of the
pathogens isolated from the blood cultures revealed that
coagulase-negative staphylococciwere responsible formost
of the infections (63.8%). Numbers of nosocomial bloodstream
infections in both periods and distribution of the
other pathogens did not differ