Current Pediatric Research

Background: Neonatal septicemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We analyzed the spectrum of pathogens causing neonatal septicemia in various Arabic countries as Iraq. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) at Al-Elwiya maternity teaching hospital, a total of (50) neonate admitted to NICU during the period January 2021 to June 2021. The case records were reviewed and information regarding gestational age, and medical history of the mother, bacterial isolate isolated from newborn and management procedures were collected. Blood cultures were used to establish the diagnosis of bacterial infection as well as (25) control group without neonatal septicemia (healthy). Results: Current study appeared 30 (60%) males and 20 (40%) females, so about 31 (62%) in age (>7) day compare to age group (7-28 and 28 ≤) day as (22%, 16%) respectively, so the early onset sepsis (58%)more than late onset sepsis (42%), and most common pathogens were gram negative bacilli causing both early onset septicemia and late onset sepsis as percentage (28%, 34%) respectively compare to gram positive bacteria (30%, 8%), also most common pathogenic organisms were E. coli 13 cases (26%), both Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species 7 cases (14%), Staphylococcus epidermedis (11 cases or 22%) in both early and late onset neonatal septicemia. Results of current study showed, 36 cases (72%)were delivered at hospital and 14 (28%) at home, about to residency are a urban was 31 cases (62%) and 29 cases (58%) rural, also education of mothers as primary school (27%, 54%) compare to control (11%, 44%) and secondary school as (8%, 16%) compare to control (10%, 40%), whilst the mother as housewife and employer as (44%, 40%) respectively compare to control. Conclusion: Current study appeared the males with septicemia more than females so about 31 (62%) in age >7 day compare to age group (7-28 and 28 ≤) day as (62%, 22%) respectively, early onset sepsis more than late onset sepsis. So most common pathogens were gram-negative bacilli causing both early-onset septicemia and late onset sepsis, as well as most common pathogenic organisms were E. coli, followed both Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species. Socio demographic characteristics play important role in neonatal septicemia.

Author(s): Nihad Khalawe Tektook*, MazinImad Ahmed, Rahan Assim Mohammed Al-Qazzaz

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share this