Bacteriology of neonatal sepsis in a large teachicg hospital in benghazi, libya

Out of 196 suspected cases of neonatal sepsis retrospectively studied, bacteraemia was detected in 144 cases [73%]. Incidence rate was 5.65 per 1000 hospital admissions. Gram negative organisms were predominant [86%] with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia spp. As the major pathogens. Among the gram positive organisms, Staphylococcus epidermidis emereged as the common pathpgen. High degree of multiple-resistance to common antimicrobials by many of these nosocomial isolates were observed in our study. Restricted use of antibiotics, strict aseptic measures during and in neonatal wards and nurseries could reduce the incidence of sepsis among neonates