Use of Sepsis Screening Tests to predict severe Bacterial Infections in Infants beyond Neonatal Age

A single-centre prospective case control study was done to find out the role of conventional sepsis screening tests for diagnosing serious bacterial infections in infants beyond neonatal age group. Sepsis screening tests and blood culture were performed in 41 admitted infants between 1 month to 1 year of age with suspected septicemia and in 24 healthy children of this age group (controls). 9 cases (21.90%) were blood culture positive (proved sepsis). There was statistically significant difference between μ ESR and TLC (p<0.001). μ ESR, CRP and toxic granules in neutrophils had 100% sensitivity, 100% negative predictive value and 80% accuracy. All these tests are simple, low cost, easily available and rapid in nature which helps physician in deciding about appropriate management at the earliest.