From which bacteria is the most common pathogen in the NICU derived?

Staphylococcus epidermidis is recognized as a leading pathogen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) primarily due to its role as a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, which is a normal skin flora in humans. This bacterium is often associated with infections in premature infants and those with central lines or indwelling devices, contributing to its prevalence as a nosocomial infection in the NICU setting.

The ability of Staphylococcus epidermidis to form biofilms on medical devices makes it particularly problematic, leading to persistent infections that can be difficult to treat. Its opportunistic nature means that it takes advantage of the vulnerable immune systems of premature and critically ill infants. This highlights the importance of stringent infection control practices in the NICU to prevent infections caused by this common skin inhabitant.

In contrast, other bacteria listed, while capable of causing infections, are not as commonly implicated in NICU patients.