NEONATAL SEPSIS;

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a systemic condition characterized bybacteremia that occurs in the first month of life. It is a fatal condition and need to be treatedpromptly. Bacterial isolates include both gram positive and negative bacteria and the cureof condition is highly dependent on antimicrobial drug sensitivity and resistant patterns. It isthere for utmost important to known commonly occurring bacteria in neonatal septic statesand their drug sensitivity patterns. Objectives: To determine the frequency of the bacterialisolates in blood and their sensitivity patterns to commonly used antibiotics in neonatal sepsis.Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit(NICU), Department of Shifa International Hospital. (SIH),Islamabad. Study Design: Cross sectional. Duration: This study was conducted between 6 1stJune 2013 to 30th November 2013. Subject and Methods: A total of 180 neonates, admittedin NICU with evidence of clinical sepsis i.e. with signs and symptoms suggestive of septicemia(fever, lethargy, reluctance to feed, seizures, and irritability) were included in this study. Thesamples for blood cultures were taken. Identification of bacterial isolates was carried out by thestandard bacteriological techniques, which include gram staining and bacterial cultures andantimicrobial sensitivity patterns which was performed by modified Kirby and Bauer disc diffusemethod as per CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory StandardsInstitute)guidelines.A predesignedPerforma was filled. Results: Culture revealed bacterial growth in 7.2% samples. Gram negativeorganisms were observed in 6.67% and only 1 were gram positive. In this study, 50% and 100%of E-coli were sensitive to ampicillin, meropenem and amikacin, gentamycin respectively. Sixtyto 100% of pseudomonas was sensitive to ceftazidime, tazobactum, meropenem and 100%of enterococcus was sensitive to ampicillin and vancomycin. Conclusion: Antimicrobial drugresistance and constantly changing resistance patterns is emerging issues in various groupsof infections and septic states, especially for routinely used antibiotics as found in our study.Thus by prescribing rational use of antimicrobial as per bactriogram, It‘ll be easier totreat sepsiseffectively and economically and reduce the mortality and morbidity related to neonatal sepsis.