RESULTS of tests to identify the source of a rare infection which closed a Greater Manchester baby unit are expected today.

The Salford Royal Hospital ward is closed to admissions after a child infected with the fungal bug aspergillus died and a second showed signs of the disease.

The first infected baby died in December and last week a second premature child developed skin problems caused by the bug, as reported in later editions of the M.E.N. yesterday.

Doctors are waiting for the results of tests to check for a link between the two cases.

They say staff are taking extra measures to look after the 17 babies on the 19-cot unit.

The M.E.N. understands the two cases are the first to hit the unit. The infection is caused by airborne spores which are not harmful to healthy adults. It is very rare in babies with around 50 cases recorded in Europe.

Mike Robinson, senior consultant neonatologist, said premature babies are more susceptible to infection.

"As a precautionary measure, we have closed the unit to admissions and preterm babies and are currently monitoring the situation closely," he said.

Babies who need special care are being found cots in other units and staff say the system is coping well and there are spaces available.

The hospital is one of the regional centres for premature babies and has been rated `excellent' for the past two years.

In January, Salford Royal was named as one of the best performing trusts for maternity services but the neo-natal unit is set to close by 2011 as part of the shake-up of NHS facilities.

Dr Graham Atherton, from the Fungal Research Trust at Wythenshawe Hospital, said: "It is very rare to see aspergillus in premature babies. I have only seen 50 cases documented."



amanda.crook@men-news.co.uk