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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
07:04
Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
Hospital-acquired neonatal infections in developing countries
Anita K M Zaidi1, W Charles Huskins, Durrane Thaver
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. ianita.zaidi@aku.edu
Lancet (London, England)
|March 30, 2005
Summary
Neonatal infections are significantly higher in developing countries due to poor infection control. Many common pathogens are resistant to standard treatments, highlighting the urgent need for improved strategies.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Hospital-born neonates in developing nations face elevated risks of infections.
- Substandard intrapartum and postnatal infection control practices contribute to this heightened risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neonatal infection rates, pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and interventions in developing countries.
- To assess the impact of these infections on neonatal outcomes and healthcare systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of data from developing countries concerning neonatal infections.
- Analysis of pathogen prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and reported infection-control interventions.
Main Results:
- Neonatal infection rates were 3-20 times higher than in industrialized nations.
- Key pathogens included Klebsiella pneumoniae, gram-negative rods (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter), and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Empiric antibiotic regimens like ampicillin and gentamicin showed limited coverage (approx. 70% of infections), with many cases potentially untreatable in resource-limited settings.
Conclusions:
- High rates of neonatal infections and antimicrobial resistance pose significant challenges to neonatal outcomes in developing countries.
- Low-cost, bundled interventions using quality improvement approaches show promise but require context-specific evidence.
- Addressing infection control is critical for improving neonatal survival and long-term health in these regions.
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