ABSTRACT
Introduction: Neonatal sepsis caused by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram negative bacteria (GNB) is associated with significantly high mortality and morbidity. Clinical features and risk factors for such neonatal sepsis can help in identifying it early. Objectives: Aim of the study was to estimate the incidence, risk factors, clinical features and antibiotic sensitivity of GNB and outcomes of ESBL GNB in neonatal sepsis. Methodology: A prospective observational conducted at regional tertiary care health center. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 87 cases of Gram negative neonatal sepsis were included in study. Male: female was 1.7:1. Forty nine (56.3%) isolates were ESBL positive strains. The clinical features in order of frequency were shock, lethargy, sclerema, disseminated intravascular coagulation and severe thrombocytopenia. Out born neonates (p=0.03), late onset sepsis (p=0.05) and mechanical ventilation (p=0.002) were the risk factors for ESBL GNB sepsis. Mortality associated with ESBL sepsis was 26.5%. Carbapenems and Piperacillin + Tazobactum were most sensitive antibiotics and high resistant for cephalosporins was observed. Conclusion: ESBL GNB neonatal sepsis is an emerging threat with high mortality in Neonatal Intensive care unit.