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Antimicrobial resistance among neonatal pathogens in developing countries

Durrane Thaver1, Syed Asad Ali, Anita K M Zaidi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|December 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance in young infants is a growing concern, with high rates of resistance to common antibiotics like ampicillin and cotrimoxazole. Limited community-based data hinders effective treatment strategies for serious infections in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens causing serious infections in young infants is critical for public health strategies.
  • Hospital data indicate high resistance rates to ampicillin and gentamicin, WHO-recommended first-line treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize available literature on antimicrobial resistance patterns in young infants (0-90 days) in developing countries.
  • To identify key pathogens and their resistance profiles to inform community-based management.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search for studies published since 1990.
  • Focus on developing countries and community-acquired infections (sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis) in neonates.

Main Results:

  • Limited data: only 10 relevant studies found.
  • High resistance observed: Escherichia coli (72% ampicillin, 78% cotrimoxazole), Klebsiella species (nearly 100% ampicillin, 66% 3rd-gen cephalosporins, 60% gentamicin).
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was rare, but 46% resistant to cotrimoxazole.

Conclusions:

  • Community-based AMR data for infant infections are scarce.
  • Significant resistance to cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, and third-generation cephalosporins is concerning.
  • Urgent need for more research to guide effective treatment strategies in developing nations.
Abstract

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