Study of Risk Factors, Causative Organisms & Their Sensitivity Pattern in Neonatal Sepsis in a Community Based...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in newborns globally.
• Causative organisms and their antibiotic resistance patterns vary geographically and over time.
• Maternal, neonatal, and environmental factors contribute to sepsis development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis.
• To identify the predominant causative organisms.
• To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria.

Main Methods:

• A six-month cross-sectional study involving 100 neonates admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.
• Blood cultures were performed aseptically before antibiotic initiation.
• Microorganisms were identified using standard microbiological techniques, and antimicrobial sensitivity testing was conducted.

Main Results:

• Significant risk factors identified were low birth weight, preterm birth, meconium-stained liquor, and prolonged rupture of membranes (>18 hours).
• Gram-negative organisms predominated (68.8%), with Escherichia coli being the most common (33.3%).
• Gram-negative bacteria showed sensitivity to amikacin, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime, while Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive only to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions:

• Effective antibiotic choices for Gram-negative neonatal sepsis include amikacin, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime.
• Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin are potential options for Gram-positive neonatal sepsis.
• Understanding local epidemiology and resistance patterns is crucial for optimizing neonatal sepsis management and reducing mortality.