Microbial profile of neonatal infection in Coimbatore

In this study, 187 consecutive neonates suspected of having septicaemia were investigated for isolation of micro organisms. Two samples of blood were collected for isolation of aerobes and anaerobes. Cultures were positive in 75 (40%) cases. Aerobic bacteria were the major etiological agent, accounting for 93% of positives including the 8% cases showing polymicrobial etiology. Anaerobic bacteria and Candida species were isolated in 6.6% and 8% of positive cases respectively. Bacteroides fragilis (amongst anaerobic) and Staphylococcus aureus (amongst aerobic) were the predominant organisms isolated. Clinical presentations were not specifically different to distinguish aerobic from anaerobic bacteria. In the present study, 6.6% of bacteremias were due to anaerobes, hence possibility of some of the bactermias being due to anaerobes should be kept in mind while treating cases of neonatal septicaemia. For a complete microbial profile both aerobic and anaerobic cultures should be done.