Advances in Infection Prevention for Pediatric and Neonatal Populations: Classification of Methods and the Emerging Superiority of Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Technologies.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to pose major risks to pediatric and neonatal patients, whose immature immune systems and unique vulnerabilities demand tailored infection prevention strategies. Traditional methods, including chemical disinfectants, procedural protocols, and physical hygiene measures, have contributed to reductions in HAIs but remain limited by human error, environmental toxicity, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Advances in disinfection technologies, particularly ultraviolet-C (UV-C) systems, offer promising new avenues for safer, more effective pathogen control. This review systematically classifies infection prevention methods into chemical, physical, procedural, and emerging technology categories, emphasizing their respective strengths and limitations. Special attention is given to UVCeed (UVCeed Inc., Effingham, Illinois, United States), a next-generation UV-C disinfection device that delivers rapid, targeted, and chemical-free decontamination with minimal reliance on human compliance. UVCeed's integration into pediatric infection control protocols represents a major advance, addressing critical gaps left by conventional methods. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting future directions, this article aims to guide clinicians, infection control specialists, and healthcare administrators toward more comprehensive, technology-enhanced approaches to safeguarding pediatric patients.