Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection that can affect infants under 90 days old. It can be caused by bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, or Group B streptococcus. Symptoms include breathing problems, temperature changes, poor feeding, and jaundice. Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics for several weeks. Prevention strategies include antibiotics for at-risk mothers and delivering babies 12-24 hours after water breaks.

1. Exploring Neonatal
Sepsis
Dr. Allen Cherer

2. Neonatal Sepsis is a blood infection that infants
may develop before reaching 90 days of age.
Babies can also develop early-onset and late-
onset sepsis.

3. A bacteria named Eschericia coli (E coli) and Listeria can cause infants to
develop sepsis.
A specific streptococcus strain (Group B streptococcus or GBS) can also
make an infant ill. If the baby’s mother contracts herpes simplex virus
(HSV), this can also lead to neonatal sepsis.
An early-onset case usually develops 24 to 48 hours after the baby’s birth,
usually by being exposed during birth.
Causes

4. Preterm delivery
GBS colonization during mother’s pregnancy
Placental tissues and amniotic fluid become infected (chorioamniontitis)
Early rupture of membranes (more than 18 hours)
Contributors

5. Breathing problems
Changes in body temperature
Decreased bowel movements or diarrhea
Reduced movements
Low blood sugar
Reduced suckling
Heart rate is fast or slow
SeizuresVomiting
Swollen abdomen
Jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes)
Symptoms

6. Even if the newborn is symptom-free, they will receive intravenous antibiotics.
Babies younger than 4 weeks with fever or other symptoms receive IV antibiotics
immediately.
The baby stays on antibiotics for three weeks if bacteria is in the spinal fluid or
blood. This is shorter if no bacteria is present.
Acyclovir (antiviral medication) is given for HSV-caused infections.If the baby has
already gone home, it will be re-admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Treatment

7. Pregnant mothers should receive preventive antibiotics if they have these
illnesses:
• Group B strep colonization
• Chorioamnionitis
• Has already had a baby with bacterial sepsis
• This condition is preventable.
• Babies should be delivered 12 to 24 hours after water breaks.
Prevention