Frequency and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Bacterial Pathogens in Neonatal Sepsis Patients in the Nursery of Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31580/pjmls.v7i4.3197Keywords:
Antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Neonatal sepsis, Staphylococcus aureusAbstract
Background: Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among newborns, with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance posing significant challenges to effective treatment. This study aims to explore the microbial etiology and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogens associated with neonatal sepsis in the nursery of Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi.
Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to identify the bacterial pathogens responsible for neonatal sepsis, assess the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolated bacterial strains, and examine emerging trends in antibiotic resistance within this cohort.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, including neonates admitted with suspected neonatal sepsis. Blood cultures were obtained and analyzed to identify bacterial pathogens, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing using standard microbiological methods. Data collection was performed in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
Results: Out of 259 blood cultures analyzed, 52 (20%) showed no bacterial growth. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (26.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (26.3%), and Klebsiella spp. (25.1%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that carbapenems demonstrated the highest efficacy, with a sensitivity rate of 25%. In contrast, third-generation cephalosporins and beta-lactam inhibitors showed the lowest sensitivity, at 3.9%. Gram-negative organisms, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella spp., exhibited concerning resistance patterns, with significant resistance to common first-line antibiotics, complicating treatment options.
Conclusion: This study offers valuable insights into the microbial etiology and antibiotic resistance profiles of neonatal sepsis pathogens. The findings underscore the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, particularly among gram-negative bacteria. These insights are crucial for informing local treatment protocols and can contribute to evidence-based guidelines for the management of neonatal sepsis, ultimately aiming to improve healthcare outcomes in affected neonates.
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