Neonatal Sepsis and Infection Control (National Newborn Care Week)

Overview

Neonatal infections continue to cause morbidity and mortality in infants. GBS and E coli are the most common agents of EOS, whereas coagulase-negative Staphylococcus is the predominant cause of LOS. There is increasing recognition of respiratory viral infections contributing to ruling out sepsis in very young infants whose presentations are similar to bacterial infections. Blood culture at birth and white blood cells with or without CRP have been used in the algorithm-based guideline to evaluate asymptomatic term and preterm infants with risk factors for sepsis. Ampicillin and gentamicin remain the cornerstone of the initial antimicrobial regimen for neonatal infections. Third-generation cephalosporins should be used judiciously. The use of antiviral (acyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, and oseltamivir) and antifungal (fluconazole, amphotericin B, and voriconazole) treatment and prophylactic regimens may reduce mortality and morbidity to specific viral and fungal disease in infants. There are various strategies, such as GBS prophylaxis, hand hygiene, immunization, immunoprophylaxis, ASP, probiotics, prebiotics, and NICU care bundles, which may be used in preventing infections in infants.