Bacterial and fungal infections in the neonate

Despite tremendous advances in technology, sepsis remains a major threat in neonatal intensive care. The incidence of neonatal infection ranges from 7.3 to 16 per 1,000 live births. Nurses play an important role in the recognition and treatment of the septic infant. An understanding of the classification, epidemiology, and signs and symptoms of bacterial and fungal sepsis will better position the nurse to identify the infant at risk for sepsis and to initiate supportive care.