Aetiology of neonatal sepsis at QECH, Blantyre: 1996-2001

Abstract

Neonatal sepsis is common and often fatal in Malawi. The aim of this retrospective study was to report causes, antibiotic resistance and outcome of sepsis in Malawian neonates. We reviewed all blood and cerebrospinal fluid isolates collected between January, 1996, and December, 2001, from inpatients aged 0-30 days with suspected sepsis at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre. In vitro resistance to antibiotics commonly used in Malawi was assessed. Case-fatality rate was analysed with respect to age, bacterial pathogen and infection site. A total of 801 bacteria were isolated from 784 neonates over six years – 599 isolates from blood and 202 from cerebrospinal fluid. Overall, 54% of..