Changing Trends in Organisms Causing Neonatal Sepsis and Their Antibiotic Sensitivity

Neonatal sepsis remains a significant challenge for healthcare providers caring for newborns and infants. Babies are particularly vulnerable to bacterial infections, with rates ranging from 1 to 10 per 1000 live births globally.

One concerning aspect is the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics; this is even more pronounced in developing countries due to the lack of regulations, easy access to antibiotics, and poor sanitation.

The types of bacteria causing neonatal sepsis are constantly changing, and the emergence of resistant strains adds complexity to the problem. 

A recent study on organisms causing neonatal sepsis found that Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are the most common gram-negative bacteria, while Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus are prevalent among gram-positive bacteria. Fungal infections are mainly caused by Candida albicans. Alarmingly, 30% of the identified bacteria are resistant to multiple antibiotics, with a significant portion of Klebsiella bacteria possibly producing carbapenemase. Furthermore, all study infants tested positive for New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, indicating a concerning trend. The prevalence of this enzyme in Klebsiella pneumoniae causing neonatal sepsis has increased significantly over the past three years.

Hence, it is necessary to monitor resistance patterns closely and use antibiotics judiciously. Proactive measures are required to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant neonatal sepsis and protect the health of newborns worldwide.

Govindaraju G, Rajaiah B, Ramakrishnan S. et al. Changing Patterns of Organisms Causing Neonatal Sepsis and Their Antimicrobial Sensitivity Profile in a Tertiary Center - A Prospective Study. Indian J Pediatr. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-024-05116-y