Neonatal septicaemia 1982--high incidence, low mortality.

Abstract

A high incidence of neonatal septicaemia—6 per thousand live births—was found in a retrospective study. Most cases had obvious risk factors for infection. Fever and jaundice were the most common presenting features, and Group D Streptococcus was the most common pathogen. Though mortality was low (0.29 per thousand births) two infants, who also had meningitis, died. The incidence of neonatal infection should be reduced, and more attention given to earlier diagnosis and treatment.