Neonatal Sepsis-Newer Insights

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among neonates worldwide and especially affects the preterm neonates in resource-restricted settings. The infection may be acquired in utero, from the mother's genital tract or postnatally from the community or hospital environment and personnel. Factors including the time of exposure, size of the inoculum, immunity in the host, and virulence of the infectious agent affect the severity and course of illness. Culture-independent diagnostics, sepsis prediction scores, antibiotic stewardship, and preventive strategies including hand hygiene are ongoing efforts for reducing the neonatal sepsis burden.

Automated summary

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among neonates globally, particularly affecting preterm neonates in resource-limited settings. Infections can be acquired in various ways, and factors such as time of exposure, inoculum size, host immunity, and virulence of the infectious agent impact the severity and progression of the disease. Ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of neonatal sepsis include culture-independent diagnostics, sepsis prediction scores, antibiotic stewardship, and preventive strategies like hand hygiene.