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A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Escherichia coli: a growing problem in early onset neonatal sepsis

Bronwyn Jones1, Kirstie Peake, Arthur J Morris

  • 1National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.

The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|December 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Early-onset Escherichia coli sepsis in newborns is linked to high mortality rates and significant neurodevelopmental impairment in survivors. Amoxicillin resistance is prevalent, but gentamicin resistance remains low in local E. coli isolates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Early-onset neonatal sepsis poses a significant threat to infant health.
  • Escherichia coli is a common pathogen causing neonatal sepsis.
  • Understanding risk factors and outcomes is crucial for improving neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of early neonatal sepsis caused by Escherichia coli.
  • To assess antenatal antibiotic use.
  • To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of infants with E. coli-positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures.
  • Data collected from January 1998 to October 2002.
  • Analysis of demographic data, pregnancy complications, birth outcomes, and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • Twenty cases of E. coli sepsis identified (19 liveborn, 1 stillborn).
  • High incidence of preterm birth (90%) and pregnancy complications (e.g., preterm rupture of membranes, 50%).
  • Mortality rate was 40% (8/20); 33% of survivors had neurodevelopmental impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Early-onset E. coli sepsis is associated with severe outcomes, including high mortality and neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • High amoxicillin resistance rates were observed in E. coli isolates.
  • Gentamicin resistance was low, suggesting its potential utility in treatment regimens.
Abstract

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