[Neonatal bacterial infections: a public health problem at the maternity hospital of Befelatanana (1997-1998)].

Neonatal infections represented the second cause of morbidity at the neonatalogy service of the Maternity Hospital of Befelatanana, and they were the first cause of the perinatal mortality (81%). This prospective study was carried out from May 1997 and December 1998 and had concerned neonatal infections suspicions among newborns. Its purpose was to identify problems with regard to the management of those newborns and to assess the impact of the prevention. Over 14,009 births, 1,877 neonates had infections recorded during the first week of life. Were noticed as main pathogen germs isolated: Escherichia coli, groups B, A, G, D Streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. The authors conclude that screening and early treatment of materno-fetal infections constitute with asepsis, prevention basis of neonatal infections.