Overview
- Researchers at ESCMID Global 2026 reported that first-pass stool from 105 NICU infants carried resistance genes within hours of birth.
- The team screened samples for 56 targets and found near-universal detection of oqxA in 98% of cases and qnrS in 96%.
- Beta-lactamase genes were common, including blaCTX-M in 55%, blaCMY in 51%, and blaSHV in 39%, and carbapenem-resistance genes appeared in 21% of samples.
- Each sample contained a median of eight resistance genes, with the msrA gene linked to maternal hospitalization and higher gene counts tied to early central venous catheter use.
- The authors called for stronger surveillance and infection control in neonatal care and noted the results come from a conference presentation that needs peer-reviewed follow-up to assess clinical impact.