Bacteria causing septicaemia in neonates with tetanus

105 consecutively admitted neonates with tetanus were screened for sepsis to determine the prevalence of sepsis in neonatal Tetanus (NNT) patients and identify the bacterial pathogens causing septicaemia in them. The presence of omphalitis, poor colour, hypothermia and hyperthermia were found to be sensitive predictors of septicaemia in NNT patients. 50 bacterial pathogens were isolated from 50 babies. Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.7%), and Enterobacter cloacae (19.0%) were the leading gram negatives, while staphylococcus aureus (19.2%) was the prevalent gram positive organism isolated. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile heavily favours ofloxacin but a combination of cloxacillin and gentamicin is recommended as first line. Ceftazidime with about 60% susceptibility across board is the favoured cephalosporin.