Nantes University Hospital: two deaths of newborns attributable to nosocomial infections
Nantes University Hospital has confirmed the death of two infants due to nosocomial infections occurring in its neonatal units.
Quick Look
- Nantes University Hospital confirmed on Monday the death of two newborns attributable to nosocomial infections in its neonatal units since the summer of 2025.
- Audits revealed non-compliant practices.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Nosocomial infections have been rampant since 2022 at Nantes University Hospital in neonatal units.
Two young deaths that could have been avoided. The Nantes University Hospital indicated on Monday that two deaths of newborns attributable to nosocomial infections were recorded in its neonatal units.
“Several infectious episodes have affected the neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care units of the Nantes University Hospital, with two deaths recognized as attributable having been deplored,” explains the establishment in a press release, confirming information from Presse Océan. The daily specifies that these two deaths have occurred since the summer of 2025.
Nosocomial infections have been rampant since 2022 at Nantes University Hospital. Two cases of meningitis were also detected in newborns, says the establishment, without specifying how many children in total were affected by the different infections noted. “The episodes that led to the most serious consequences are now under control. Only one epidemic remains ongoing, that linked to Sarm (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Editor's note). It is subject to increased surveillance and no deaths are directly attributable to it to date,” says the University Hospital.
“Non-compliant” practices
The establishment explains that it has put in place a set of prevention and surveillance measures. An audit was carried out in January 2026 by the Support Center for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections of Pays de la Loire (CPIAS). According to Presse Océan, it noted the “persistence of non-compliant practices, concerning both medical and paramedical staff and those external to the service”. Questioned on this subject by AFP, the CHU did not immediately respond.
Another expert mission external to the establishment was mandated in June 2026 to evaluate the practices in place and analyze the factors that could contribute to the transmission of bacteria. The results are expected “soon”, indicates the CHU. The neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care units at Nantes University Hospital care for nearly 850 newborns each year.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Publication of the results of the external expert mission
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What are the precise details of the non-compliant practices identified?
- How many children in total were affected by the different infections?
