NEONATAL SEPSIS

Abstract

Septicemia in neonates refers to generalized bacterial infection documented by positive blood culture in the rst four weeks of life and is one of the four leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in India. Although it is a global problem in developing countries is enormous because of the lack of clear guidelines for organizing the condition, the lack of standard laboratory procedures, and the impulsiveness of the physician to switch to antibiotics for any minor deterioration. The source of infection in the baby can be from the mother called early-onset sepsis or from the community or hospital called late-onset sepsis. Appropriate identication and knowledge of the causative microorganism can help in deciding the correct antibiotic and causative microorganisms in one area or hospital will be different from another area and therefore it is prudent to try to identify the disease-causing organism. Treatment requires well judged use of antibiotics with appropriate dosage and duration along with proper choice of antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics should be discouraged because of the risk of complications and resistance development