Bacterial profile from suspected maternal sepsis and colonization cases: A step towards prevention of neonatal sepsis

ABSTRACT

Background: Transmission of pathogens can occur through direct materno-fetal contact during antepartum period or delivery.Presence of maternal reproductive tract colonization or bacterial infections during pregnancy increases the risk of puerperal sepsisand early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). This study was thus planned to screen the etiological agents and antibiogramfromsuspected maternal sepsis/ colonization cases.Materials and methods:Data was collected over a period of 1 year (September2017- September 2018). Clinical samples-placental membrane, placental tissue, retained product of conception (RPOCs) and highvaginal swabs (HVS) received for screening of maternal sepsis or colonization were processed as per conventionalmicrobiological techniques. Antimicrobial sensitivity was performed as per CLSI guidelines.Result:A total of 2405 maternalsamples were included in the study. Only about 13.18% ( 317 samples) showed the presence of bacterial isolate, Escherichia coli(39%) was the predominant etiological agent isolated followed by Staphylococcus aureus(18%)and Enterococcus species (17%).There was an alarming level of drug resistance seen in both the gram positive and negative organisms.Conclusion:Introduction ofpathogens into the female genital tract is a major risk factor for development of uterine infections and chorioamnionitis which caneventually lead to puerperal sepsis and Early onset neonatal sepsis. EONS. As seen in the present study the organisms such asEscherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureusisolated from maternal sepsis and colonization cases are the same organismsimplicated from EONS.In view of increase in drug-resistant organisms prompt detection and treatment of maternal infectionsbecomes crucial to prevent neonatal infections.