Abstract

Objective: To explore the demographic, clinical, and microbiological patterns associated with neonatal sepsis.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan from July to December 2024. We analyzed neonates admitted to the NICU with suspected or confirmed sepsis. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological profile of studied neonates were documented. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: Out of 214 neonates, 122 (57.0%) were boys. Mean age was 9.38±8.05 days. The mean weight was 2.26±0.88 kg. Blood culture was positive in 50 (23.4%) neonates. Out of 50 blood culture positive cases, Klebsiella 8 (16.0%), yeast candida 8 (16.0%), E. coli 6 (12.0%), and pseudomonas 6 (12.0%) were the most common etiological agents. Out of 50 blood cultures proven sepsis cases, 38 (76.0%) were late-onset while 12 (24.0%) had early-onset neonatal sepsis.
Conclusion: Late-onset sepsis was more common than early-onset in neonatal sepsis. Low birth weight and inadequate antenatal care were significant risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Gram-negative bacteria, especially Klebsiella and E. coli, were predominant.

Key words: E. coli, etiology, klebsiella, pseudomonas, sepsis.