Neonatal Sepsis

Neonatal Sepsis Latest News

Striking at the heart of antimicrobial resistance, the international NeoSep 1 trial to evaluate life-saving antibiotic combinations for newborns with sepsis has expanded to India, with the first baby being recruited at the JIPMER in Puducherry.

About Neonatal Sepsis

• It is a life-threatening bloodstream infection that occurs in babies under 90 days old, often affecting premature or low-birth-weight infants. 
• It is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality in the world, taking 30% to 50% of babies’ lives. 

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Neonatal Sepsis Cause

• Bacterial infections are the most common cause of neonatal sepsis.  
• It can be caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E coli), Listeria, and some strains of streptococcus. 
• The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also cause a severe infection in a newborn baby. This happens most often when the mother is newly infected with HSV. 

Neonatal Sepsis Classification

• Early-onset sepsis (EOS): 
  • It presents at or before 72 hours of life. 
  • The source of infection has been traditionally believed to be the maternal genital tract.
• Late-onset sepsis (LOS): 
  • It presents after 72 hours of life. 
  • LOS can be either healthcare-associated (HAI) or community-acquired infection. 

Neonatal Sepsis Symptoms

• Infants with neonatal sepsis may have the following symptoms:
  • Body temperature changes
  • Breathing problems
  • Diarrhea or decreased bowel movements
  • Low blood sugar
  • Reduced movements
  • Reduced sucking
  • Seizures
  • Slow or fast heart rate
  • Swollen belly area
  • Vomiting
  • Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Neonatal Sepsis Treatment

• Sepsis in newborns is curable.
• It must be treated in a hospital, usually through antibiotics transmitted intravenously.

News: TH