Bacteriological Profile Of Neonatal Septicemia Research Articles

A study on Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicemia and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern

Background: Neonatal septicemia, a critical neonatal illness, involves multiple bacteria types, frequently Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimicrobial susceptibility varies, however, increased resistance against commonly used antibiotics, such as ampicillin and gentamicin, poses significant challenges. Timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics selection, informed by current bacterial profiles and sensitivity patterns, are crucial for improving neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia and antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dr. Sirajul Islam Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period from October 2021 to February 2023. Total 243 neonates with septicemia were included in this study. Results: The study sampled 243 subjects, 207 (85.2%) ≤72 hours old, and 36 (14.8%) >72 hours with a female predominance (89.7%). Positive bacterial cultures were seen in 46 (18.9%) individuals, predominantly Pseudomonas (28.2%). Organism incidence varied between early (35 occurrences, 76.1%) and late (11 occurrences, 23.9%) onset groups. More bacteria were observed in females (39 cases, 84.8%) than males (7 cases, 15.2%). Antibiotic sensitivity showed Pseudomonas was most responsive to Cephalosporin (20 cases, 43.5%). Acinetobacter showed the highest resistance to Cephalosporin (10 cases, 21.7%). Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that early-onset septicemia had higher bacterial presence than late-onset, and females exhibited more bacterial presence than males. Pseudomonas was the most frequent organism which was most responsive to Ceftazedime.

The changing bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care hospital – Emergence of Citrobacter septicemia

Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is one of the indicators of health status of a nation and neonatal sepsis is one of the commonest causes of NMR contributing to 19% of all neonatal deaths in India. All over India, there is a gradually increasing trend of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and special newborn care units (SNCUs) in tertiary care hospitals.To determine the changing trend in the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern (AST).It is a retrospective study conducted on total 452 blood culture samples collected from SNCU over 1-year period from July 2017 to June 2018 in tertiary care government hospital. Organisms were identified by the standard protocol and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined as per latest CLSI guidelines.out of 452 blood culture of neonatal septicemia patients, 138 cases (30.53%) were culture positive Most common isolated gram negative organism was spp. 55/138 (39.85%) followed by spp. 23/138 (16.66%). Most common isolated gram positive organism was 25/138 (18.11%) followed by Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (8.69%). Among gram negative isolates most sensitive antimicrobial was Imipenem (87.6%) followed by Levofloxacin (87.4%) and Piperacillin + Tazobactam (46%) and resistant to, Cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin + clavulanate and 3rd generation Cephalosporins.spp. is the predominant organism of neonatal sepsis in the Indian subcontinent, although significant rise in proportion of spp. is occurring. High resistance to cephalosporins is a cause of concern, as they are one of the most common prescribed antibiotic groups.

Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicaemia and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of the Isolates Admitted in SCANU of a Tertiary Levels Hospital of North Bengal, Bangladesh

Introduction: Neonatal septicemia is one of the most common causes of infection and mortality in neonates, due to which 30–50% of neonates die each year in developing nations. Various studies have suggested that bacteremia occurs in 20% of neonates, and approximately 1% die due to neonatal sepsis. It affects newborns below 1 month of age and encompasses systemic infections including meningitis, pneumonia, arthritis, osteomyelitis and urinary tract infections. Objective: To assess the Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates admitted in SCANU of a tertiary levels hospital of North Bengal, Bangladesh. Methods: A prospective study was conducted including 50 suspected cases of septicemia admitted to the Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCANU) of the selected Department of Paediatrics, TMSS Medical College, Bogura Bangladesh July to December 2022. Demographic data included birth weight, gestational age, postnatal age, and treatment as well as survival outcome. Clinical and laboratory data included the number of days between birth and admission to the SCANU, admitting and discharge diagnoses, and pharmacological treatment. Data was analysed by percentages of each antibiotic used. And which organism was responsible for neonatal sepsis. Results: Total 50 cases clinically suspected neonatal sepsis were included in the study. The mean age was 8.33±7.36 days, mean birth weight was 2816.25±288.6gm, male were predominant which was 70%. Among gestational age of the Neonates having septicemia Preterm (<37) 66% and Term (37 up to 42) 36%. Out of the 50 proven sepsis cases, 36 cases (72%) were early onset and 14 cases (28%) were late onset. In this study out of 50 cases 16 cases were culture positive septicemia which was 32%. Gram negative organism were predominant with 10 isolates (62.5%) in comparison to gram-positive 6 (37.5%) isolates was the most common S. aureus (25.0%) and E. coli (12.5%) among the organism isolated. Other organisms isolated were Staphylococcus Pneumoniae (6.3%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.7%), Proteus (18.7%), Listeria species (6.3%), Pseudomonas (6.3%), and Enterococci (6.3%). In this study, Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism isolated from both EOS (20%) and LOS (33.3%) followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (10% & 33.3%). Amoxiclave is highly sensitive to S. aureus & E. coli. In this study, vancomycin showed 25.0% sensitivity to S. aureus but for Nitrofurantoin it was only 33.3%. The Listeria species isolates here were 100% sensitive to meropenum. In our study, ciprofloxacin showed 33.3% to 100% sensitivity to different isolates. Conclusion: In the present study, high bacterial resistance among the pathogens suspected to cause neonatal septicemia is demonstrated which can be controlled by prudent use of available antibiotics. This study suggests regular monitoring of the antimicrobial sensitivity of the causative organisms in a particular setting is very important.

Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicemia and its Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Tertiary Care Hospital,VIMSAR,Burla

Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicemia and its Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Tertiary Care Hospital,VIMSAR,Burla

Study of Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicemia, And Their Antibiogram at Tertiary Care Hospital

Study of Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicemia, And Their Antibiogram at Tertiary Care Hospital

Study of the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia and associated risk factors

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among the newborns in the developing countries. For the effective management of neonatal sepsis, knowledge about causative agent and antibiotic sensitivity pattern play a vital role. Present study was undertaken to analyze the various risk factors of bacterial sepsis, to isolate aerobic bacteria causing neonatal septicemia and to study the antibiogram of bacterial isolates. Material and Methods: Study was done over a period of one year. 198 clinically suspected cases of neonatal septicemia were included in the study. Detailed record of various predisposing neonatal factors were noted in a pro-forma. Blood samples from the neonates were subjected to aerobic blood cultures. The identification of the causative organism was carried out by standard identification tests and antibiotic sensitivity testing was done as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Of 198 neonates studied, predisposing factors for neonatal sepsis were mainly low birth-weight and preterm. Blood cultures were positive in 128(64.64%) cases. Predominant organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (54.7%) and Klebsiella spp. (14.1%). Among Staphylococcus aureus, 43(61.42%) isolates were MRSA and most of them were sensitive only to vancomycin and linezolid. Most of the MSSA were sensitive to cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, linezolid. Most of the Gram negative bacilli were sensitive to imipenem, piperacillin–tazobactam and amikacin. Conclusion: For the effective management of neonatal sepsis continued surveillance is mandatory for each center due to temporal changes in the causative organisms and their antibiotic susceptibility. Keywords: Bacteriological Profile, Neonatal Septicemia, Risk Factors, Antibiogram and Blood Culture.

CLINICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of morbidity & mortality among NICU graduates. The etiology of neonatal septicemia has variations depending upon various customs and practices in the perinatal and neonatal period and geographical area. Therefore, knowledge of microbial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility is very important for management of neonatal sepsis. The aim of our study is to determine the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia and the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern.
 Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the NICU of Department of Pediatrics, KD Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre Mathura (U.P.) among 100 neonates from july 2019 to December 2019. Two ml of venous blood was taken from each neonate & cultured by automated BacT/Alert & VITEK2 method for rapid isolation & sensitivity test. A structured proforma was used to gather information for baseline features like age, gender, birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery of the neonate and age of onset of illness.
 Result: In the present study, both Gram-negative & Gram-positive organisms are responsible for neonatal sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was found to be the predominant pathogen followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Most organisms are multi-drug resistant.
 Conclusion: Cefotaxim, amikacin, meropenam and vancomycin were found useful in treating neonatal septicemia and hence incorporated in our institutional antibiotic policy for use in NICU. Authors recommend an effective infection-control programme, regular antibiotic sensitivity surveillance, encouragement of rational antibiotic use. It will reduce nosocomial infections and development of bacterial resistance.
 Keywords: Neonatal sepsis, antimicrobial susceptibility, Klebsiella, antibiotic susceptibility surveillance.

Changing Trend of Neonatal Septicemia and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Isolates in Nepal.

Background Neonatal septicemia is one of the most common leading reasons for neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Frequent monitoring on pathogens with recent updates and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern is mandatory for the better treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Outpatient Department (OPD), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Pediatrics Ward of Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital (CMCTH), Bharatpur, Nepal. Blood cultures were performed on all suspected neonates attending to the hospital with a clinical analysis of neonatal septicemia. Isolated organism was identified by the standard microbiological protocol and antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results Out of 516 specimens, bacterial growth was obtained in 56 specimens (10.8%). Prevalence of early onset sepsis was higher 35 (62.5%) in neonates compared to late onset sepsis 21 (37.5%). Majority of neonatal septicemia were caused by gram-negative isolates 39 (69.6%). Acinetobacter species 18 (32.1%) was most commonly isolated organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus 11 (19.6%). The predominant isolate in early onset septicemia was Acinetobacter species 18 (32.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus 9 (16%) and in late onset septicemia was Staphylococcus aureus 11 (19.6%) and Acinetobacter species 5 (8.9%). Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci displayed highest susceptibility towards vancomycin, amikacin, teicoplanin, and meropenem. Gram-negative isolates showed susceptibility towards amikacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, ofloxacin, and gentamicin. Conclusions Acinetobacter species and Staphylococcus aureus remain the most predominant organisms responsible for neonatal septicemia in a tertiary care setting and demonstrate a high resistance to the commonly used antibiotics. Above all, since the rate of Acinetobacter species causing sepsis is distressing, inspiring interest to control the excess burden of Acinetobacter species infection is mandatory.

Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia in tertiary care NICU in India

Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia in tertiary care NICU in India

Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal septicemia in tertiary care NICU in India

Back ground: Sepsis is the commonest cause of neonatal mortality; it is responsible for about 30-50% of the total neonatal deaths in developing countries. It is estimated that up to 20% of neonates develop sepsis and approximately 1% die of sepsis related causes. Sepsis related mortality is largely preventable with rational antimicrobial therapy and aggressive supportive care. Objectives: To isolate and identify the aerobic bacterial pathogens causing both early and late onset septicemia .To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of aerobic bacterial organisms isolated from neonatal septicemia. Material and methods: This prospective study was conducted on 100 neonates with signs and symptoms of septicemia admitted in neonatal intensive care unit, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women Suraram, Hyderabad over a period of one year from January 2013 to December 2014. Results: Blood culture positivity was 35 %. Early onset sepsis 28 (57%) was more common than late onset septicemia 28 (43%). Out of total isolates Gram positive organisms constituted 20 (62.5%). In gram positive organisms coagulase negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus were commonest organisms 9 (45%). Gram negative organisms constituted 15 (37.5%) out of 35 total bacterial isolates. In 15 gram negative isolates klebsiella pneumonia was commonest isolate 8 (52%), followed by Escherichia coli 3 (20%), Pseudomonas auriginosa 3 (20%) and Acinetobacter 1 (8%) Conclusion: The present study suggests that there is a increase in incidence of ESBL producers among Gram Negative pathogens i.e. Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter in neonatal septicemia of both Early and late onset and many of them are resistant to commonly used third generation cephalosporin i.e. cefotaxim, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime.

Neonatal sepsis: epidemiology, clinical spectrum, recent antimicrobial agents and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality in the developing world. This study aims to determine the incidence, the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia, their antibacterial susceptibility pattern. Methods: It is a prospective study, carried out in the tertiary care NICU of S.P. Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, from January 2014 to October 2014. Blood culture specimens were collected from neonates, identification of organisms, their antibiotic susceptibility pattern detection was done. Results: Gram negative organisms were more common (71.42%) than gram positive (28.57%). Klebsiella was the most common pathogen (48.21%) in both early and late onset septicemia. In third generation cephalosporins, only one organism (Strept. faecalis) is sensitive to ceftriaxone but cefoperazone and cefotaxim both have activity against Klebseilla and coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Ceftazidime showed better results and active against Klebseilla, E. coli, pseudomonas and unidentified gram negative bacilli. In aminoglycosides amikacin has much better results than gentamicin. Piperacillin had advantage over ampicillin. All organisms except E. coli showed sensitivity to cefotaxime. Vancomycin had good activity against gram positive organisms (enterococcus, CONS, MRSA). Neonatal mortality rate was 23.43%. Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the newborns. Prematurity, low birth weight, prolonged rupture of membranes are major risk factors predisposing neonate to sepsis. This study, showed alarming results of antibiotic sensitivity patterns. The antibiotics which are routinely used like ampicillin and ceftriaxone showed poor activity against most of the organisms.

Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital from Western India.

Neonatal septicemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The present study was undertaken to determine the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of prevalent pathogens isolated from the blood of septicemic neonates from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A total of 180 blood samples of septicemic neonates were studied bacteriologically. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI) guidelines. 26.6% (48 out of 180) cases of septicemia could be confirmed by blood culture. Of these, 66.7% cases were of early onset septicemia (EOS) and 33.3% were of late onset septicemia (LOS). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen (35.4%) among the Gram-negative pathogens and Staphylococcus aureus (22.9%) was the predominant Gram-positive pathogen. 28% of K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. 18.1% of the Staphylococcus isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Multi-drug-resistance pattern was observed with all the isolates. Ciprofloxacin and aminoglycosides were the most effective drugs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. This study highlights the predominance of Gram-negative organisms in causing neonatal sepsis and emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains in our set up.

Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary care hospital in Loni

Background: Septicemia continues to be a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Epidemiology and surveillance of neonatal sepsis helps in implementation of rational empirical antibiotic strategy. Objectives: To study the bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern and types of neonatal septicemia among the suspected blood & CSF samples coming to Microbiology Department of Pravara Rural Hospital. Methodology: All the reports fulfilling the eligibility criteria were studied for Percentage of neonatal sepsis in suspected blood and CSF samples, Percentage of bacteriological sepsis (Gram-positive and Gramnegative sepsis), Bacterialogical profile, Percentage of EOS (Early Onset Sepsis) and LOS (Late Onset Sepsis) in confirmed cases, Antibiotic Sensitivity Tests. Result: The study showed a culture positivity of 259 blood culture samples (23.31%) for bacterial growth out of 1111 and 36 (5.99%) positive out of 601 C.S.F culture samples. Early onset sepsis (92.54%) was found to be predominant with Klebsiella the predominant EOS pathogens and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CONS) as predominant LOS pathogen. Gram Negative sepsis (59.32%) predominated in this study. In this study the predominant organisms were found to be Klebsiella (28.81%).The antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that gram negative isolates were sensitive to Meropenem and gram positive isolates to Linezolid, Netilmicin and Chloramphenicol . Conclusion- The most common bacteria causing neonatal sepsis was found to be Klebsiella and the gram negative samples showed highest sensitivity for Meropenem and Cefazolin was found to be most resistant. The gram positive samples showed highest sensitivity for Linezolid and Penicillin and Ampicillin were found to be most resistant.

Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia in a rural hospital

Background: In spite of great advances in antibiotic therapy, neonatal life support measures and early detection of risk factors, neonatal septicaemia continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neonatal septicaemia is responsible for 30–50% of total neonatal deaths in the developing countries like India. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of neonatal septicaemia as early as possible is necessary to prevent the morbidity and mortality caused by it.

Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates

Context:Septicemia in neonates refers to generalized bacterial infection documented by positive blood culture in the first four weeks of life and is one of the four leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in India.Aim:To isolate and identify the bacterial etiologic agents responsible for neonatal sepsis and to determine the susceptibility pattern of isolates in a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka.Materials and Methods:Six hundred eighty-three blood samples were collected and processed from patients in accordance with standard protocols. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was done by disc diffusion method according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) recommendations.Results:Blood culture reports were positive in 19.2% cases. Among the culture positive cases, there were 65.5% males and 34.5% females. Early-onset sepsis was present in 74.8% and late-onset sepsis was observed in 25.2% of the cases. Best overall sensitivity among Gram-negative isolates was to imipenem (93%), followed by amikacin (52%) and netilmicin (41%). Gram-positive isolates had sensitivity of 91% to linezolid, 68% to tetracycline, 64% to piperacillin/tazobactam erythromycin, and 52% to ciprofloxacin.Conclusion:Gram-negative organisms (Klebsiella, Acinetobacter), coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Staphylococcus aureus are the leading cause of neonatal sepsis in this study and most of them are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Therefore the results of this study suggest that, surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in our hospital is necessary.

Incidence of neonatal sepsis in tertiary care hospital: An overview

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the commonest causes of neonatal mortality in the developing world. Aims & Objective: To determine the bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia, their antibacterial susceptibility pattern (AST) and production of extended spectrun β-lactamase (ESBL) by gram negative bacteria. Material and Methods: Blood culture specimens were collected from 238 neonates. Identification of organisms, their AST, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and ESBL detection was done. Results: Gram negative bacteria were more frequently isolated than gram positive bacteria. The gram positive bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin. Vancomycin and amoxyclav exhibited good activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Gram negative bacteria also exhibited high resistance to the commonly prescribed group of drugs such as penicillins, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. Out of the total 16 isolates of S.aureus, 31.25% were MRSA. ESBL production was seen in 52.9% of Escherichia coli and 50% of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: E. coli and S. aureus were the most common bacteria associated with neonatal sepsis. Gram negative bacteria were isolated predominantly and many of them were resistant to several groups of drugs. Also high resistance was seen to third generation cephalosporins in case of E. coli and K. pneumoniae due to ESBL production.

Bacteriological profile of neonatal septicaemia in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Neonatal septicaemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the bacteriological profile of the aetiologic agents is very important and helps to reduce the associated mortality in neonatal septicaemia. To determine the bacteriological profile of common aetiologic agents of neonatal septicaemia and their antibiotics sensitivity pattern. This study was a retrospective review of all the 390 neonatal blood cultures carried out in the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology of the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria over three years (Jan 2002-Dec 2004). The 390 neonatal samples constituted 25% of all blood samples received in the laboratory during the period under review. Twenty-two percent were positive for bacterial growth, yielding gram-negative bacilli (GNB) and gram- positive cocci (GPC) in almost equal proportion, predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae (86% of GNB) and Staphylococcus aureus (81% of GPC). Although the Klebsiella pneumoniae were multiply-resistant and showed resistance pattern suggestive of Extended-Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ELBS) production they were 100% sensitive to imipenem. The sensitivity of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and erythromycin were 89%, 85%, 75%, 71% and 64% respectively. A sustainable antibiotic susceptibility surveillance programme coupled with good infection control practices and rational antibiotics use will reduce infection rate, ensure better therapeutic success and prolong the efficacy of available antimicrobials.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Septicaemia at A Community Level Medical College Hospital

Septicaemia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Meningitis is a serious problem in newborns with high mortality and frequent neurological sequelae. In neonates, signs and symptoms of infections are often obscure and clinical examination cannot distinguish septicaemic babies with or without meningitis. Therefore, lumbar puncture is often not done in time and thus diagnosis of meningitis is missed. Our aim was to see the association of bacterial meningitis in neonatal septicaemia and their clinical and bacteriological profile. This study was performed at the neonatal ward of Kumudini Women’s Medical College Hospital from August 2007 to July 2009. All admitted newborns diagnosed as septicaemia clinically were enrolled prospectively. Detailed history was taken, thorough clinical examination performed, and blood culture, CSF study and other relevant investigations were done. Patients received standard medical care and followedup daily till discharge/death. Among 86 suspected cases, 30 (34.9%) had positive blood culture. Common clinical presentations of culture-positive cases were poor feeding (86.7%), lethargy (70%), respiratory distress (56.7%), fever (46.7%), jaundice (33.3%), seizure (26.7%) and cyanosis (20%). Male child outnumbered the baby girls (1.7:1). Other risk factors were maternal fever during delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, birth asphyxia and poor socioeconomic status. Majority (63.3%) of the cultures isolated gram-negative bacilli, most commonly Klebsiella pneumonia (16.7%), Pseudomonas sp. (16.7%), and Acinetobacter (10%). Staphylococcus aureus (20%) was most common among gram-positive organisms, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (10%); no Group B streptococcus was isolated. Associated meningitis was present in two cases (6.7%) and nine out of 30 culturepositive cases (30%) died. This study confirms that neonatal septicaemia is a major problem in perinatology with high case fatality. As associated meningitis is difficult to distinguish clinically, CSF study needs to be included in septicaemia screening. An alarming finding of the study is that high proportion of the organisms are resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics, again emphasize the importance of judicious antibiotic use. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i3.9435 JBCPS 2011; 29(3): 143-150