BACKGROUND In industrialized countries, Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a leading cause of late-onset neonatal sepsis. METHODS Culture-proven episodes were identified prospectively from neonatal units participating in the neonatal infection surveillance network. Demographic, risk factor, and outcome data were collected. RESULTS Between 2004 and 2009, there were 117 episodes of SA infections (including 8 methicillin-resistant SA) in 116 infants from 13 units. The median gestational age and birth-weight were 27 weeks (90% ≤ 37 weeks, 85% ≤ 32 weeks) and 850 g (90% ≤ 2500 g), respectively. The overall incidence was 0.6 per 1000 live births and 23/1000 in infants