Prevalence and Causes of Neonatal Sepsis in Soba University Hospital, Sudan

Objective: This study aimed to determine the isolated organisms and, the most common causes of neonatal sepsis; and to evaluate

the susceptibility pattern of isolates to different antibiotics.

Methods: A total of 119 blood samples were collected and inoculated in brain heart infusion broth, then incubated up to 7days

at 37°C. All isolates were identified based on culture charters, Gram stain, and standard biochemical test. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done according to CLSI guidelines 2011.

Results: Out of 119 blood samples investigated only 37.8% (45/119) were found to be positive for neonatal septicemia and all cases was early onset sepsis. The frequency of Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria is 57.8% and 42.2% respectively. MRSA and K. pneumoniae are the most common isolated organisms. All Gram –ve isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cephalexin, and cotrimoxazol and sensitive to imipenem (100%). While most isolateswere sensitive to Vancomycin, and resistant to Ciprofloxacin, Amoxyclav, Erythromycin, and Oxacillin.

Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis is a major health problem worldwide, and the emergence of MDR isolates can limit the therapeutic options. Proper antibiotic discretion and regular updating of antibiotics susceptibility through continuous surveillance is essential to maintain a good infection control program and it can play a key role in avoiding and limiting the extending of this problem.