Coagulase negative staphylococcal septicemia in newborns

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections in neonates.
• Understanding the clinical characteristics and antimicrobial resistance patterns of CONS sepsis is crucial for effective management in neonatal units.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical and perinatal factors associated with CONS septicemia in newborns.
• To determine the antimicrobial sensitivity profile of CONS isolates from neonatal blood cultures.
• To identify risk factors for mortality in neonates with CONS septicemia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 254 newborns with positive blood cultures for CONS over five years.
• Inclusion criteria: Neonates admitted to a rural medical college hospital's neonatal unit.
• Data collected: Clinical features, perinatal characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of CONS isolates.

Main Results:

• 118 neonates (46.5%) had CONS septicemia, predominantly hospital-delivered and vaginally born.
• Preterm and low birth weight (LBW) neonates constituted 23.7% and 59.4% of cases, respectively.
• Mortality was 15.6%, significantly higher in outside deliveries, normal vaginal deliveries, preterm, and LBW infants.
• Only 15.3% of CONS isolates showed multi-drug resistance; gentamicin and ampicillin exhibited maximum sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• CONS septicemia is a considerable threat in neonatal units, particularly affecting preterm and LBW infants.
• Risk factors for mortality include prematurity, LBW, and mode of delivery.
• Maintaining sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics like gentamicin and ampicillin is vital for treatment protocols.