Bacterial agents in neonatal septicaemia in Calabar, Nigeria (a review of 100 cases).

This study of bacterial isolates in 100 cases of proven neonatal septicaemia has shown Staphylococcus aureus and coliform bacterials the dominant gram positive and gram negative organisms respectively. Most gram negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to gentamycin, while streptococci were sensitive to ampicillin. On the basis of this antimicrobial sensitivity pattern, we recommend the use of gentamycin and ampicillin as initial antibiotics in neonatal septicaemia.