Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Neonatal bloodstream infection in a resource-limited setting
Amina Abdennadher1, Ragheb Karoui1, Dhouha Kammoun1
1Department of Neonatology, Hédi Chaker Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Infection, Disease & Health
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are a significant problem, especially in developing countries. High rates of multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae, contribute to substantial infant morbidity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) pose a critical threat in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Neonatal vulnerability and rising antimicrobial resistance exacerbate morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and bacteriology of HAI in a Tunisian NICU.
- To assess the morbidity and mortality associated with HAI in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 82 HAI cases confirmed by blood culture from 4382 neonates hospitalized for at least 48 hours (November 2020-November 2023).
- Data collection focused on patient demographics, clinical signs, causative pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and treatment regimens.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants (85.4%) and those with low birth weight (82.9%) were most affected by HAI.
- Gram-negative bacilli dominated (93.9%), with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae being the primary pathogen (69.5%).
- The overall mortality rate was high at 58.5%, significantly linked to hemodynamic instability and very low birth weight (<1400g).
Conclusions:
- HAI is a severe challenge in resource-limited NICUs due to high antimicrobial resistance and specific infant vulnerabilities.
- Enhanced infection prevention strategies and multidisciplinary surveillance are essential to mitigate HAI-related morbidity and mortality.
