Bacteriological profile in blood culture proven neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It results in significant morbidity and mortality, accounting for up to half of all newborn deaths in developing countries. Aim: Hence, this study aimed to determine the bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis and assess its relationships with other demographic variables. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on 87 neonates with blood culture-proven neonatal sepsis. They were categorized according to the age of onset of symptoms as having early-onset sepsis and late-onset sepsis. The bacterial profile that resulted from their blood cultures was analyzed. Results: The findings revealed that the most common isolated bacterial was Staphylococcus aureus, reported in 34.48% of the patients. Collectively, Gram-positive bacteria represent 67.82% of bacterial profiles versus 32.18% for Gram-negative bacteria. Significantly more Acinetobacter spp. were isolated from newborns with EOS than those with LOS (23.08% vs 6.56%). Contrarily, Streptococcus viridans were significantly more common among neonates with late-onset sepsis than those with early-onset sepsis. Interestingly, Gram-negative bacteria were present more frequently (53.85% vs. 22.95%) in infants with EOS than LOS, indicating a significant difference. In addition, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 77.59% of sepsis in full-term neonates and 48.28%% of preterm neonates, with a significant difference. Conclusions: Early-onset sepsis and premature newborns were more likely to have gram-negative bacterial sepsis, whereas late-onset sepsis and full-term neonates were more expected to have gram-positive bacteria.