RESUMO
1. Sepsis neonatorum is the 2nd leading cause of neonatal mortality2. The neonate is an immunologically incompetent host to infection and this statement is doubly true for the "premie."3. Good maternal and obstetrical care reduces the risk factors to sepsis4. The incidence of sepsis neonatorum increases with decreasing gestational age and birth weights5. A higher index of suspicion is vital in the early diagnosis and at best this is clinical. A diagnosis of sepsis is virtually a diagnosis of meningitis6. Early bacteriologic examination from meaningful sites is a helpful tool in diagnosis. There is no single laboratory examinations that can provide rapid and early identification of neonates with bacterial sepsis7. The increasing use of invasive technics for life support aggravated by equipment are important factors in its pathogenesis8. Manual transmission is the primary mode of spread; therefore adequate and convenient handwashing facilities should be available9. Because of multiplicity of possible aetiologic agents, an initial broad coverage with an antibiotic combination is justified10. Optimum bactericidal concentration of the drug at the sites of inflammation specifically the meninges is a must to prevent a "brain rot."11. There is an increasing incidence of resistant Gram negative pathogens including Pseudomonas and Salmonella but the staphylococcus aureus has consistently been with us due to inadequate handwashing12. The pattern of antibiotic usage in the community, the health and socio-economic characteristic of the population served accout for the difference in the pathogens13. The associated complications of sepsis must be anticipated and aggresively treated for optimum care. (Summary)
