Neonatal Sepsis

Key notes

  • Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection occurring during the first 28 days of life.

  • It may be caused by:

    • Bacteria.
    • Viruses.
    • Fungi.
  • Early-onset sepsis generally occurs within the first 72 hours and is often acquired from the mother during pregnancy, labour or delivery.
  • Late-onset sepsis occurs after 72 hours and is commonly associated with hospitals, healthcare procedures or community exposure.

  • Risk factors include:

    • Prematurity.
    • Low birth weight.
    • Prolonged rupture of membranes.
    • Maternal infection.
    • Unhygienic delivery conditions.
  • Symptoms may include poor feeding, lethargy, temperature instability, respiratory distress, seizures and shock.
  • Diagnosis involves clinical assessment and tests such as blood culture, complete blood count and inflammatory markers.
  • Treatment requires urgent antibiotics, supportive care and infection-control measures.
  • Antimicrobial resistance is a major challenge.
  • Neonatal sepsis remains a major cause of newborn morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih][intechope