Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2025
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Neonatal bloodstream infections
Brandon R Hadfield1, Joseph B Cantey1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology.
Insights
Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) are decreasing due to improved prevention, but challenges like antimicrobial resistance persist. Advances in diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing infant morbidity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Pediatric critical care
Background:
- Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in NICUs.
- While incidence has decreased over 15 years, BSI remains common in extremely preterm infants.
- Central line-associated BSI are a notable subset of neonatal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neonatal BSI.
- To highlight emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- To discuss novel diagnostic biomarkers for BSI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published within the last 18 months.
- Analysis of quality improvement initiatives and infection control bundles.
- Examination of research on novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Continued decline in BSI incidence attributed to enhanced infection control.
- Identification of emerging and traditional pathogens with increasing antimicrobial resistance.
- Exploration of serum and noninvasive biomarkers for early BSI detection.
Conclusions:
- Despite progress, neonatal BSI remain a critical concern, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Addressing antimicrobial resistance and improving diagnostic speed are essential.
- Sustained focus on prevention and novel interventions is necessary to reduce BSI-related complications.
Purpose Of Review:
Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality within neonatal intensive care units. BSI, including central line-associated BSI, have decreased over the past 15 years but remain common in extremely preterm infants. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the causes, diagnosis, management, and prevention of neonatal BSI.
Recent Findings:
Continued quality improvement efforts and bundles have reduced BSI incidence, and novel approaches are highlighted. An update of emerging pathogens as well as traditional pathogens with novel antimicrobial resistance, which are an increasingly common cause of neonatal BSI, is included. Finally, current and future investigations into serum or noninvasive biomarkers for neonatal BSI are reviewed.
Summary:
Neonatal BSIs continue to decrease due to enhanced infection control and prevention techniques. However, many challenges remain, including emerging bacterial and fungal resistance and the continued need for novel diagnostics that hasten time to pathogen identification and effective treatment. This review of the past 18 months highlights the rapid changes in this area. Ongoing efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by neonatal BSI must remain a priority.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...