Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, WHO-Collaborating Centre for Training and Research in Newborn Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110029. E-mail: ashokdeorari_56@hotmail.com.
In developing countries, sepsis is the commonest cause of mortality responsible for 30–50 percent of 5 million total neonatal deaths each year. National Neonatal Perinatal Database from India has reported an incidence varying from 0.1 to 4.5% from 18 hospitals across India. Klebsiella pneumonia, S. aureus and E. coli are the most common organisms isolated in both early and late sepsis in intramural and extramural births. Reports of multi-resistant bacteria causing neonatal sepsis in developing countries are increasing. Despite considerable improvement in survival, high case-fatality rate is observed. Fewer venepunctures, avoiding unnecessary parenteral fluids and intravenous catheter can minimize the risk of infection.
neonate, sepsis organisms, signs
