DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i05.041

Pages: 2077-2080

This study was conducted to know the prevalence and bacteriological profile of neonates admitted for suspected sepsis in a tertiary care hospital of Rajasthan. In the present study, 1054 neonates with signs and symptoms suggestive of sepsis, between the age of 1to 28 days, clinically suspected to have sepsis admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were included . The blood samples were processed to diagnose septicemia. Identification of bacterial isolates and disc susceptibility testing were performed using standard techniques. Blood culture was positive in 132 (12.52%) cases. Gram positive bacteria 70(53.03%) were responsible for most cases of neonatal sepsis as compared to gram negative bacteria 57 (43.18%). Candida was found in 5(3.79%) patients. An overall neonatal septicemia prevalence rate of 12.52% was observed. Enterococcus species was the predominant microorganism causing neonatal septicemia in our setting. It is necessary to have a continuing surveillance of NICUs so as to be aware of the common pathogens that cause septicemia and their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents. This knowledge will guide clinicians on the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents.