Preventing Bloodstream Infections and Death in Zambian Neonates: Impact of a Low-cost Infection Control Bundle.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in low-resource settings. As facility-based births become more common, the proportion of neonatal deaths due to hospital-onset sepsis has increased. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in a neonatal intensive care unit in Zambia where we implemented a multifaceted infection prevention and control (IPC) bundle consisting of IPC training, text message reminders, alcohol hand rub, enhanced environmental cleaning, and weekly bathing of babies ≥1.5 kg with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Hospital-associated sepsis, bloodstream infection (BSI), and mortality (>3 days after admission) outcome data were collected for 6 months prior to and 11 months after bundle implementation. RESULTS: Most enrolled neonates had a birth weight ≥1.5 kg (2131/2669 [79.8%]). Hospital-associated mortality was lower during the intervention than baseline period (18.0% vs 23.6%, respectively). Total mortality was lower in the intervention than prior periods. Half of enrolled neonates (50.4%) had suspected sepsis; 40.8% of cultures were positive. Most positive blood cultures yielded a pathogen (409/549 [74.5%]), predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae (289/409 [70.1%]). The monthly rate and incidence density rate of suspected sepsis were lower in the intervention period for all birth weight categories, except babies weighing <1.0 kg. The rate of BSI with pathogen was also lower in the intervention than baseline period. CONCLUSIONS: A simple IPC bundle can reduce sepsis and death in neonates hospitalized in high-risk, low-resource settings. Further research is needed to validate these findings in similar settings and to identify optimal implementation strategies for improvement and sustainability. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02386592.

Etiology of Bacterial Sepsis and Isolate Resistance Patterns in Hospitalized Neonates in Zambia.

BACKGROUND: The Sepsis Prevention in Neonates in Zambia study is a prospective cohort study that evaluated an infection prevention and control (IPC) bundle in the University Teaching Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Lusaka, Zambia. We present here the etiologies, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and associated mortality of bloodstream infections (BSI) in this cohort. METHODS: Venous blood was collected from neonates with clinically suspected sepsis and cultured with an automated blood culture system. Organism identification and susceptibility testing were done using the Vitek II system. We used the CDC National Health Safety Network criteria to define pathogens and commensals. RESULTS: There were 1120 blood cultures performed for 1060 neonates with suspected sepsis. Overall, 38% (424/1120) of cultures were positive of which 72% (306/424) grew pathogens. Blood cultures obtained after, as compared to before, 2 days of hospitalization were more likely to yield a pathogen (77% vs. 65%; P < 0.001). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent organism, accounting for 74% (225/306) of all pathogens . K. pneumoniae isolates were highly resistant: 98% (221/225) were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive, while 81% were resistant to gentamicin (182/225) and fluoroquinolones (177/219). Only one isolate was carbapenem resistant. Observed mortality rate was 32% (122/380); 61% (75/122) of the deaths was related to Klebsiella BSI. CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing Klebsiella species were the main organisms responsible for BSI and were associated with increased mortality. BSI risk increased with prolonged hospitalization, underscoring the importance of IPC measures in the NICU.