Multidrug-resistant septicemia in neonates: A study from a teaching hospital of Northern India.

BACKGROUND

species are typical nosocomial pathogens causing infections and high mortality, almost exclusively in compromised hospitalized patients. sp. are intrinsically less susceptible to antibiotics and have propensity to acquire resistance. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) sp. blood infection in the neonatal intensive care unit patients create a great problem in hospital settings.

AIMS

A prospective data analysis was performed over a one year period of all neonates admitted with sepsis who developed infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples of infected neonates were collected aseptically and cases of septicemia were identified. Speciation of species was done. Various risk factors were identified and their drug-sensitivity test was performed.

RESULTS

The incidence of neonatal septicemia due to species was 13.7% (49/357). Predominant species isolated was (98%). The major symptoms were lethargy and poor feeding. The major signs were tachypnea, intercostal retraction, and respiratory distress. The major fetal risk factors were low birth weight and prematurity. High degree of resistance was observed to the various antibiotics used. Majority of the isolates (95.9%) were MDR while 93.68% were resistant to carbapenems as well as extensively drug resistant. However, all the strains were sensitive to colistin.

CONCLUSION

MDR septicemia in neonatal patients is becoming alarmingly frequent and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Therefore, rational antibiotic use is mandatory along with an effective infection control policy in neonatal intensive care areas of each hospital to control infection and improve outcome.