Surveillance of Neonatal Endotracheal Tube Colonisation

Babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) sometimes need help breathing using a breathing tube (endotracheal tube, or ETT) connected to a breathing machine (ventilator). Over time, bacteria and other substances can build up on the inside of these tubes. This build-up may contribute to infections, inflammation, or breathing problems, but we do not fully understand how often this occurs or what is present within the tubes used in UK NICUs.

This surveillance study will collect breathing tubes that have been removed from babies who have been ventilated for more than 12 hours as part of their normal clinical care. No additional procedures or interventions will be performed on babies, and the tubes would otherwise be discarded.

Researchers will examine the used tubes and any respiratory secretions (mucus) associated with them. Laboratory testing will identify any bacteria or other microorganisms present and analyse the chemical composition that has accumulated within the tubes and respiratory secretions. By studying these samples, we hope to better understand how breathing tubes become colonised over time and how this may relate to infection and lung health in newborn babies.

This study aims to identify the microorganisms that colonises ETT and map them in a contemporary UK neonatal cohort.

The information gained from this study may help improve infection surveillance, guide future research, and support the development of strategies to reduce complications associated with mechanical ventilation in vulnerable newborn infants.