Abstract:
IN the past cross infection with pyogenic organisms in surgical and obstetric wards was
a common occurrence. The introduction of aseptic surgery and antibiotics saw the incidence of hospital cross infection decline abruptly. But during the last two decades, due
to the widespread use of antibiotics and the acquisition o f resistance by the staphylococci,
the increasing incidence of sepsis due to antibiotic resistant staphylococci has posed a problem.
Unfortunately we do not know the actual magnitude o f this problem in our hospitals.
O n 29.3.67 when we visited Ratnapura Hospital, the Medical Superintendent and the
Obstetrician brought to our notice that there was an increasing incidence of staphylococcal
infection amongst the new born infants, since December 1966. It was therefore decided
to carry out an investigation to determine the extent of the problem. This paper outlines
the investigations that were undertaken, the results and the remedial measures adopted
