Objective: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) species, which are normal flora elements of the skin, are the most frequently isolated microor-ganisms in blood culture in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and are challenged in distinction of infection-contamination. In this retrospective study, our approaches to CoNS growth in blood culture of NICU patients were presented.

Material and Method: Newborns who were hospitalized in NICUs between January 2016 and December 2018 and who had CoNS growth in blood culture were enrolled in the study. They were evaluated according to risk factors of CoNS (such as central catheter), laboratory and clinical findings, and were divided into ‘‘definite’’ and ‘‘probable’’ CoNS groups and also ‘‘contamination’’ group. The datas were compared between the groups.

Results: During the study, 40.8% (n =130) of the growth in blood cultures were CoNS and mostly isolated species was Staphylococcus epidermidis (69.2%). Resistance rate against methicillin was 77.9%. 67.7% of CoNS growth in blood cultures were reported in male infants, and 58.5% were defined as contamination. The definite and probable CoNS infections were observed in prematures with median gestational week 32 (28-34) and mean birth weight 1547.5±446.9 grams, and in newborns over 35 weeks of age, respectively. Contamination were thought for term infants with mean birth weight 3347±472.5 grams. The most common clinical findings during CoNS infection were cutis marmoratus, vomiting, feeding intolerance, and abdominal distention. Increase in CRP difference was found significant in definite CoNS group vs. probable CNS and contamination group, and in probable CNS group vs. contamination group. Other laboratory parameters in the groups were similiar.

Conclusion: The gestational week, birth weight, presence of CoNS risk factors, clinical and laboratory findings are all helpful in management of CoNS growth in blood culture of neonates.