Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Neonates with Late-Onset Sepsis: Is It Beneficial?

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a serious neonatal disease. The aim of this study was to detect the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation in preterm neonates with late-onset sepsis (LOS). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized clinical trial study which was done at Tanta University Hospital from August 2016 to March 2018 on 180 preterm neonates with LOS. The studied neonates were divided into two groups: group 1 (90 neonates), which received Zn and antibiotics, and group 2 (90 neonates), which received antibiotics and placebo. In group 1, the neonates received 1.4 mg elemental Zn/kg/d orally for 10 days. Sepsis score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were done for both groups. RESULTS: As regards sepsis score, it showed that before beginning the treatment, there were 85 and 84 neonates who had high probable sepsis (HPS) in intervention and control groups, respectively, and this revealed nonstatistically significant difference (non-SSD) between both groups (p-value is 0.756) and after 10 days of treatment, there were 1 and 4 neonates who had HPS in intervention and control group, respectively, and this revealed SSD between both groups (p-value is 0.045*). As regards CRP and PCT, the results showed that before beginning the treatment, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of CRP and PCT were 39.4 ± 10.1 mg/L and 5.2 + 1.8 ng/mL, respectively, in intervention group, while it was 39.6 + 9.9 mg/L and 5.1 + 1.9 ng/mL, respectively, in control group and this revealed non-SSD between both groups (p-value is 0.893 and 0.717, respectively) and after 10 days of treatment, the mean ± SD of CRP and PCT were 5.3 ± 1.8 mg/L and 0.39 ± 0.13 ng/mL, respectively, in intervention group and 6.1 + 2 mg/L and 0.61 + 0.22 ng/mL, respectively, in control group and this revealed SSD between both groups (p-value is 0.008* and 0.044*, respectively). CONCLUSION: Zn supplementation in preterm neonates with LOS is beneficial in improving the clinical and laboratory finding. RECOMMENDATION: Zn supplementation for preterm neonates with LOS. KEY POINTS: · NS is a serious neonatal disease.. · Preterm neonates are more liable to infections.. · Zn supplementation in preterm neonates with LOS is beneficial in improving the condition..

Retrospective cohort study of neonatal early onset of sepsis and the role of the EOS calculator in a level II nursery.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. With the improvement in health care standards, the incidence of neonatal Early Onset Sepsis (EOS) has reduced significantly. A recent Web-based EOS-calculator has been introduced with the aim to reduce the use of IV antibiotics in neonates. The role of the EOS-calculator has yet to be ascertained in this regional Special Care Nursery (SCN) in Western Australia. This study aims at examining the local incidence of culture proven EOS and the role of the EOS calculator. METHOD: It is a retrospective study examining all newborns ≥35 weeks gestation throughout 2019 (Jan-Dec 2019) who received IV-antibiotics. The local incidence of culture-proven EOS was established and applied onto the EOS calculator. The recommended management by the EOS-calculator was cross-examined with the local EOS guideline. Overall proportion of reduction in IV antibiotics use was formulated. Other relevant laboratory data extracted was analysed with Pearson's correlation test with the EOS scores. RESULTS: Total included sample was n = 252 with an annual birth of 1880s indicating 13.4% of all neonates born throughout year 2019 was treated with IV antibiotics. The local incidence of culture-proven EOS was 0.5/1000. By applying the EOS-calculator, a significant reduction of IV antibiotics usage from 13.4% to 3.9% (z value 10.4, p < 0.0001) could be achieved in this cohort. Sixty three percent of neonates who received IV antibiotics in this cohort were classified as 'clinically well' based on the EOS-calculator. CONCLUSION: The EOS-calculator could reduce the use of IV antibiotics in the neonatal population significantly in this regional SCN (from 13.4% to 3.9%). Judicial use of IV antibiotics is imperative as part of the holistic care for the neonates. Implementation of the EOS-calculator must be done strategically considering the local incidence of EOS and other health care policies.

Role of Zinc in Neonatal Sepsis.

Sepsis emerges as a complex clinical syndrome with activation of an innate host response to infections. Despite advancement in therapeutic approaches, infants with sepsis remain hospitalized for longer durations and it remains to be a major health problem in today's world. Zinc as a trace element, has the potential to improve the host's defence mechanism against various pathogenic diseases. During sepsis, a redistribution of zinc from serum into the liver has been observed and earlier studies imply a correlation between serum zinc levels and the outcome of sepsis. Zinc also appears to have a potential to be used as a biomarker of sepsis outcome. There are only few reports available to show the efficacy of zinc supplements in the management of neonatal sepsis.

Treatment outcomes, antibiotic use and its resistance pattern among neonatal sepsis patients attending Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal mortality in Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes, antibiotic use and its resistance pattern among neonatal sepsis patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. We also aimed to identify the factors affecting mortality in neonatal sepsis patients. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric wards of the Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. All eligible neonatal sepsis patients who were registered at the study site from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 were included in the study. The data collection form included information on patient's characteristics, antibiotic use and its sensitivity pattern, laboratory and microbiological data, and final treatment outcomes. Treatment outcomes included, discharged (with treatment success), leave against medical advice (LAMA), discharged on request (DOR) and death. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to find the independent factors associated with death. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among the total 586 patients, 398 (67.9%) were male, 328 (56%) were preterm, 415 (70.8%) were diagnosed with early onset sepsis, 299 (51%) were born with low birth weight. Most of the patients (n = 484, 82.6%) were treated with amikacin+cefotaxime at the start of treatment. Culture was positive in 52 (8.9%) patients and the most commonly identified bacteria included, Klebsiella species (n = 19, 36.5%) followed by E. coli (n = 15, 28.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 8, 15.4%). The identified bacterial isolates showed high level of resistance against the antibiotics initiated at the start of the treatment, while resistance against piperacillin+tazobactam, imipenem, vancomycin and linezolid was very low. Just under half of the patients (n = 280, 47.8%) successfully completed the treatment (i.e., discharged with treatment success), while 123 (21%) patients died during treatment. In multivariable binary logistic regression, the factors which still remained significantly associated with neonatal death included, preterm delivery (AOR 9.59; 95% CI 4.41, 20.84), sub-optimal birth weight (AOR 5.13; 95% CI 2.19, 12.04), early onset sepsis (AOR 2.99; 95% CI 1.39, 6.41) and length of hospital stay (AOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67, 0.88). CONCLUSION: The mortality rate associated with sepsis was high in our study cohort. The bacterial isolates showed high level of resistance against the antibiotics started as the empiric therapy. Rational use of antibiotics can decrease the adverse outcomes in neonatal sepsis patients.

Effect of zinc supplementation on relative expression of immune response genes in neonates with sepsis: A preliminary study.

Background & objectives: Zinc alters gene expression mainly by binding to a site on the transcription factor. Genome-wide expression studies have shown early repression of genes related to zinc and immunity in adult patients with sepsis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of zinc supplementation on relative expression of immune response genes in neonatal sepsis. Methods: In the present study, a sample of convenience of 22 neonates each was selected from the zinc supplemented and control groups using random numbers for expression of immune-related genes by zinc supplementation. These neonates with sepsis were earlier randomized into two groups: with and without zinc supplementation in addition to standard antibiotics and supportive care. Relative expression of immune response genes were analyzed for 22 neonates in each group using quantitative real-time PCR for calprotectin (S100A8/A9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) genes. Results: An increase in serum zinc levels was observed in zinc-supplemented group compared to controls. S100A8 gene showed downregulation by three-fold (P <0.001) and S100A9 gene showed upregulation by two-fold (P <0.05) in zinc group compared to controls. CD14 gene showed upregulation by one-fold in zinc-supplemented group compared to controls (P <0.05). No significant fold changes were observed with respect to TNF-α, IL-6, LBP and TLR-4 genes between the two groups. Interpretation & conclusions: The results of our preliminary study showed that the zinc supplementation might modulates the relative expression of immune-related genes involved in sepsis pathway among neonates. However, studies with larger sample size are needed to be done to provide a better picture on the outcome by gene expression in neonatal sepsis by zinc supplementation.

Asociación entre la concentración de vitamina D y la sepsis neonatal extrahospitalaria de aparición tardía / Association between vitamin D level and community-acquired late-onset neonatal sepsis

Introducción. El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre la concentración materna e infantil de vitamina D y la sepsis de aparición tardía. Población y métodos. En este estudio se incluyó a los bebés nacidos con ≥ 37 semanas de gestación hospitalizados con diagnóstico de sepsis de aparición tardía. Se comparó la concentración de vitamina D de los niños y sus madres del grupo del estudio y del de referencia. Resultados. El grupo del estudio incluyó a 46 pacientes con sepsis de aparición tardía nacidos a término y el grupo de referencia, 46 pacientes con hiperbilirrubinemia. La suplementación con vitamina D durante el embarazo fue menor en las madres del grupo del estudio que en el de referencia (p = 0,001). La concentración sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] de los niños y las madres del grupo del estudio fue significativamente menor que la del grupo de referencia (p < 0,001). Se observó una correlación positiva entre la 25(OH)D en las madres y los niños de ambos grupos (r: 0,38; p < 0,001). El valor de corte para la 25(OH)D, que determina el riesgo de sepsis neonatal de aparición tardía, se estableció en 15,45 ng/ml (sensibilidad: 91,3 %; especificidad: 71,7 %; área bajo la curva: 0,824; p < 0,001). Conclusiones. La concentración de 25(OH)D fue inferior en los bebés nacidos a término con sepsis de aparición tardía y sus madres en comparación con el grupo de referencia. La correlación entre la concentración sérica de 25(OH)D de los niños y sus madres fue positiva.

Introduction. The objective was to determine the relationship between mother and infant vitamin D levels and late onset sepsis. Population and methods.Infants born ≥37 weeks of gestational age who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of late-onset sepsis were enrolled to this prospective case control study. VitaminD levels of the infants and their mothers in the study and a control group were compared. Results. Fourty six term patients with lateonset sepsis composed the study group, 46 patients with hyperbilirubinemia as the control group. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was lower in mothers of study group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of infants and mothers in the study group were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels of mothers and infants in both groups (r: 0.38, p < 0.001). The best cut off value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which determines the risk of late-onset sepsis in neonates, was detected as 15.45 ng/ml (sensitivity: 91.3 %, specificity: 71.7 %, area under the curve: 0.824, p < 0.001). Conclusions.In this study, 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels were found to be lower in term infants with late-onset sepsis and among their mothers compared to the control group. Positive correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D levels of infants and their mothers. Key words: newborn infant, sepsis,

Current and emerging treatments for neonatal sepsis.

Introduction: Mortality due to sepsis is still prevalent, peaking at extreme ages of life including infancy. Despite many efforts, the peculiarity of the infant immune system has limited further advances in its treatment. Indeed, neonates experience a dramatic physiological transition from immune tolerance to the maternal antigens to functional maturity. Such a transition is extremely dynamic, as is the pathophysiology of infant sepsis, which is dependent on many infant, maternal, and environmental factors.Areas covered: In this review, the authors critically update and summarize the current paradigm of immunomodulation in infant sepsis. They confirm how exogenous stimulation of the immune system through intravenous immunoglobulin, colony stimulating factors, and granulocyte transfusion have failed to impact on the prognosis of infant sepsis. They also strongly support the beneficial effects of supplementation/replacement therapies with products naturally contained within maternal milk as well as antioxidant compounds.Expert opinion: Breastfeeding is beneficial against sepsis. Knowledge of the neonatal immune system is indeed too limited to effectively strengthen immune response by exogenous interventions, especially in preterm and low-birth-weight infants. Awareness of this limitation should pave the way for future studies (e.g. gender- and omics-based) aimed at better characterizing the infant immune system and promoting a more tailored approach.

Premature Infant with Haemophilus parainfluenzae Sepsis: Case Report and Literature Review.

Haemophilus parainfluenzae is an unusual causative organism of invasive bacterial infection in adults and children. Mortality and morbidity secondary to Haemophilus parainfluenzae have been documented in the literature. We present a rare case of a premature infant with early onset sepsis caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae, who was born to a primigravida with chorioamnionitis. The infant was successfully treated for 10 days with antibiotics with no complications.

Ceftriaxone Absorption Enhancement for Noninvasive Administration as an Alternative to Injectable Solutions.

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of infant mortality in developing countries because of delayed injectable treatment, making it urgent to develop noninjectable formulations that can reduce treatment delays in resource-limited settings. Ceftriaxone, available only for injection, needs absorption enhancers to achieve adequate bioavailability via nonparenteral administration. This article presents all available data on the nonparenteral absorption of ceftriaxone in humans and animals, including unpublished work carried out by F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) in the 1980s and new data from preclinical studies with rabbits, and discusses the importance of these data for the development of noninjectable formulations for noninvasive treatment. The combined results indicate that the rectal absorption of ceftriaxone is feasible and likely to lead to a bioavailable formulation that can reduce treatment delays in neonatal sepsis. A bile salt, chenodeoxycholate sodium salt (Na-CDC), used as an absorption enhancer at a 125-mg dose, together with a 500-mg dose of ceftriaxone provided 24% rectal absorption of ceftriaxone and a maximal plasma concentration of 21 µg/ml with good tolerance in human subjects. The rabbit model developed can also be used to screen for the bioavailability of other formulations before assessment in humans.

Use of melatonin as adjunctive therapy in neonatal sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis remains one of the major causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Increased production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, combined with the innately low levels of plasma antioxidants in neonates, have been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of neonatal sepsis. To date, few clinical trials on the beneficial effects of exogenous melatonin on improvement of clinical outcomes in septic neonates have been conducted. METHODS: The electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched on July 2017 for clinical studies that reported the effects of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy in neonatal sepsis. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) as biomarker endpoint and recovery of sepsis as clinical endpoint were used to compare treatment responses between groups. The Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies (RoBANS) and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool were used to assess the quality of included studies. RESULTS: Three studies with a total of 120 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled analysis revealed statistically significant mean differences in CRP serum levels (mg/L) between groups at 24 h post-adjunctive therapy with melatonin (-1.739 mg/L; 95% CI: -3.205 to -0.273; P = 0.020). Additionally, adjunctive therapy with melatonin significantly improved clinical condition of sepsis in neonates from the intervention group, compared to the control group, within 3 days of therapy (RR: 2.212; 95% CI: 1.452 to 3.371; P < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Findings showed that administration of melatonin as adjunctive therapy significantly reduced an inflammatory biomarker and improved sepsis status in neonate. Larger scale studies with higher validity are needed to demonstrate clear clinical benefits of the therapy.

Beneficial effect of melatonin in the treatment of neonatal sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of neonatal sepsis. METHODS: This study is a prospective nonrandomized nonblind case-control study and was carried on 40 neonates with neonatal sepsis diagnosed by both clinical and laboratory criteria. They were enrolled from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Menoufia University Hospitals. These cases were selected during the study period from November 2015 to May 2016 and were divided into two groups: intervention group (number 20 neonates) received melatonin 20 mg as single dose and antibiotics and control group (number 20 neonates) received antibiotics only and then both groups followed by physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to evaluate the improvement in both groups. RESULTS: Before melatonin administration, there was no significant difference between intervention group and control group with regard to clinical condition, hs-CRP, and other serum parameters. After 24 and 72 hours of melatonin administration, both groups improved with regard to clinical condition, hs-CRP, and serum parameters with significant improvement in intervention group than control group. CONCLUSION: Melatonin could be used in the treatment of neonatal sepsis in both preterm and full-term neonates beside the conventional treatment.

Short Term Oral Zinc Supplementation among Babies with Neonatal Sepsis for Reducing Mortality and Improving Outcome - A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of short term zinc supplementation on the mortality rate and neurodevelopment outcome in neonates with sepsis at 12 mo corrected age. METHODS: The clinical trial was undertaken in the neonatal intensive care unit of JIPMER during the time period from September 2013 through December 2016. Neonates with clinical manifestations of sepsis who exhibited two positive screening tests (microESR, C- reactive protein, band cell count) were included and randomized into no zinc and zinc group. The intervention was zinc sulfate monohydrate given at a dose of 3 mg/kg twice a day orally for 10 d along with standard antibiotics. The no zinc group was on antibiotic treatment. Blood samples from both groups were collected at baseline and after day 10. Babies were carefully discharged from the hospital. The babies were followed up till 12 mo corrected age using DASII (Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants). RESULTS: At the time of enrolment, patient characteristics were similar in both the groups. The mortality rate was significantly higher in no zinc compared to zinc group (5 vs. 13; P = 0.04). Although motor development quotient was similar, mental development quotient was significantly better among babies who received zinc supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Short term zinc supplementation of newborns with sepsis reduces mortality and improves mental development quotient at 12 mo of age.

The Treatment of Possible Severe Infection in Infants: An Open Randomized Safety Trial of Parenteral Benzylpenicillin and Gentamicin Versus Ceftriaxone in Infants <60 days of Age in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends benzylpenicillin and gentamicin as antimicrobial treatment for infants with sepsis in low-income settings, and ceftriaxone or cefotaxime as an alternative. In a meta-analysis from 13 low-income settings, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli accounted for 55% of infants with sepsis. In a review of bacterial meningitis, resistance to third generation cephalosporins was >50% of all isolates, and 44% of Gram-negative isolates were gentamicin resistant. However, ceftriaxone may cause neonatal jaundice, and gentamicin may cause deafness. Therefore, we compared parenteral benzylpenicillin plus gentamicin with ceftriaxone as first-line treatment, assessing outcome and adverse events. METHODS: This was an open randomized trial carried out in the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, from 2010 to 2013. Infants <60 days of age with possible severe sepsis received either benzylpenicillin and gentamicin or ceftriaxone. Adverse events and outcomes were recorded until 6 months post discharge. RESULTS: Three-hundred forty-eight infants were included in analyses. Outcome in the benzylpenicillin and gentamicin and ceftriaxone groups was similar; deaths were 13.7% and 16.5% and sequelae were 14.5% and 11.2%, respectively. More infants in the penicillin/gentamicin group required phototherapy: 15% versus 5%, P = 0.03. Thirteen (6%) survivors had bilateral hearing loss. There was no difference between the treatment groups. By 6 months post discharge, 11 more infants had died, and 17 more children were found to have sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftriaxone and gentamicin are safe for infants in our setting. Infants should receive long-term follow-up as many poor outcomes occurred after hospital discharge.

Efficacy of zinc supplementation on serum calprotectin, inflammatory cytokines and outcome in neonatal sepsis - a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the efficacy of zinc supplementation in decreasing the levels of serum calprotectin and inflammatory cytokines with improvement in outcome in neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Neonates with clinical signs suggestive of sepsis and at least two screening tests positive were randomized into two groups - zinc group and control group. The zinc group received 3 mg/kg of zinc sulfate monohydrate twice a day orally for 10 days along with antibiotics. The control group received antibiotics and supportive care. Serum zinc, calprotectin, TNF-α and IL-6 were estimated in serum at recruitment and 10 days later after completion of antibiotics. The babies were monitored daily till discharge and mortality rate was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Serum zinc levels were considerably increased in the zinc group after supplementation. There was significant decline in concentrations of serum calprotectin, TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.05) in the zinc group. In the control group also, serum calprotectin and IL-6 levels were found to be decreased significantly after antibiotic treatment (p < 0.05), while TNF-α showed insignificant reduction. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the survival time between the groups. The mortality was lower in the zinc group compared to the control group 5 versus 11, p= 0.12. CONCLUSION: Neonates with sepsis who received zinc in addition to antibiotics showed significant reduction in serum calprotectin and inflammatory cytokines. Although mortality was lower in zinc group, it was not statistically significant.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Early Outcome of Neonatal Sepsis--A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To find the effect of zinc supplementation on the outcome of neonatal sepsis at one month of age. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care neonatal unit, enrolling neonates with clinical features of sepsis and positive blood culture or positive sepsis screening tests. The treatment group received 3 mg/kg/twice a day of zinc sulfate monohydrate orally for 10 d along with standard antibiotic therapy. The control group received standard antibiotic treatment without zinc. Samples were collected from both the groups before and after the treatment. Babies were monitored till discharge and followed up as out-patients till one month of age. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar between the cases and controls. After 10 d of treatment, the mean serum zinc level between the two groups was 737.09 ± 219.97 vs. 801.26 ± 405.56, (p = 0.20). Outcome measures like days of hospital stay (15 vs. 15; p = 0.69) and mortality rate (4.5% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.27) were not found to be significantly different between the groups. At one month of age, more number of control neonates had abnormal neurological findings as compared to the zinc supplemented group [(P = 0.02); RR (95%CI) = 0.28 (0.11-0.73)]. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation in neonates with sepsis improves the neurological status at one month of age although the mortality reduction was not statistically significant.

Etiología y patrones de resistencia antimicrobiana en sepsis neonatal temprana y tardía, en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal / Etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in early and late neonatal sepsis in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Introducción. La sepsis neonatal es una de las principales causas de muerte en recién nacidos. El tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico se sustenta en información epidemiológica y pruebas de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. El objetivo del estudio fue describir los agentes etiológicos y su sensibilidad antimicrobiana enreciénnacidos con sepsis temprana (SNTe) o tardía (SNTa) de una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en un hospital de concentración del occidente de México. Se determinó la resistencia antimicrobiana de los gérmenes aislados en sangre o líquido cefalorraquídeo de pacientes con SNTe o SNTa nosocomial. Resultados. Se aislaron bacterias o levaduras en 235 cultivos de 67 eventos de SNTe y 166 eventos de SNTa. Del total de aislamientos, las bacterias más frecuentes fueron enterobacterias (51,5%), seguidas de Streptococcus spp. en SNTe y Staphylococcus spp. en SNTa. En cuanto a las enterobacterias de adquisición nosocomial, el 40% fueron productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido. En especies de Staphylococcus, la resistencia a oxacilina se registró en el 65,5%. En las enterobacterias (n: 121), la frecuencia de resistencia a amikacina, piperacilina-tazobactam y meropenem fue menor del 3%. En bacterias no fermentadoras, no se observó resistencia a amikacina, ciprofloxacino y cefepime; sin embargo, el número de aislamientos fue escaso. Conclusiones. Las bacterias identificadas con mayor frecuencia en SNTe fueron enterobacterias (67,6%) y Streptococcus spp. (17,6%), mientras que, en SNTa, fueron enterobacterias (44,9%) y Staphylococcus spp. (34,7%). El 40% de las enterobacterias de adquisición nosocomial fueron productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido y el 65,5% de Staphylococcus spp. mostraron resistencia a oxacilina.

Introduction. Neonatal sepsis is one of the main causes of death among newborn infants. Empirical antimicrobial treatment is based on epidemiological information and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The objective of this study was to describe etiologic agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility among newborn infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) or late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods. Cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Western Mexico. Determination of antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms isolated in blood or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with EONS or nosocomial LONS. Results. Yeasts and bacteria were isolated from 235 cultures corresponding to 67 events of EONS and 166 events of LONS. Of all isolates, the most common bacteria were Enterobacteriaceae (51.5%), followed by Streptococcus spp. in EONS, and by Staphylococcus spp. in LONS. Of all nosocomial Enterobacteriaceae, 40% were extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria. Among Staphylococcus species, resistance to oxacillin was recorded in 65.5%. Among Enterobacteriaceae (n: 121), resistance to amikacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and meropenem was below 3%. Non-fermenting bacteria did not show resistance to amikacin, ciprofloxacin or cefepime; however, the number of isolates was scarce. Conclusions.The most commonly identified bacteria in EONS were Enterobacteriaceae (67.6%) and Streptococcus spp. (17.6%), and Enterobacteriaceae (44.9%) and Staphylococcus spp. (34.7%) in LONS. Forty percent ofnosocomial Enterobacteriaceae were extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria, and 65.5% of Staphylococcus spp. showed resistance to oxacillin.