I. Preliminary Observations on Artificial Colonization of Newborns

Abstract

Glossary .—For the purpose of clarity the following terms have been defined in accord with their use in this and subsequent communications. 1-3 Interference: The inability of a second strain of coagulase positive staphylococcus to colonize a particular site of a newborn infant following artificial colonization of this specific site with staphylococcal strain 502A. This term is also used to indicate the inability of an index strain of coagulase positive staphylococci to colonize a household member who had been colonized previously with coagulase positive staphylococci. Infection: The presence of microorganisms without overt manifestations of disease. This term is equivalent to colonization. Criteria of Colonization: Isolation on artificial medium of more than one colony of a given strain of staphylococcus from a swab of the nasal mucosa or umbilicus. Colonization by a second strain is defined as the recovery of more than one colony of the second strain at any time