Clinico-microbiological study of neonatal sepsis.

ABSTRACT

Neonatal sepsis, a systemic infection manifesting in the first month of life is a leading cause of mortality in the newborn .Blood culture is the main stay in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The present study focuses on the bacterial agents, the antibiogram and the clinical risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis. One hundred and ten neonates with clinical suspicion of neonatal sepsis were included in this study. Bacterial pathogens isolated in positive blood cultures were identified and the antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. The risk factors were noted from the case records & statistical analysis was done using the Chi square test. Thirty six (32.72%) cultures were positive among 110 suspected cases of neonatal sepsis. 22(61.11%) cases presented with early onset sepsis and 14(38.89%) presented as late onset sepsis. The common bacteria isolated were Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli & Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics effective against gram negative bacilli were cefaperazone/sulbactam and piperacillin/tazobactam. The rate of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolation was 57%. Gram negative bacilli predominate as agents of neonatal sepsis & antibiotic resistance among bacteria is on rise. Thus there is a need for continuous screening and surveillance for antibiotic resistance in NICU.