Spectrum and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Micro-Organisms Associated With Neonatal Sepsis in a Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Background Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Its causative bacteria and their respective sensitivity patterns are different in each hospital and region. The objective of this study was to determine the causative bacteria and their antibiotics sensitivity patterns at the neonatal unit. Methods This prospective study was carried out at the Neonatology Unit of Kharadar General Hospital (KGH) from January 2017 to Jun 2019. A total of 162 neonates with suspected sepsis and positive blood cultures were included in the study. Blood culture was done by standard microbiological techniques (BACTEC Method). Continuous data were presented as mean and standard deviation, while categorical data were presented in frequency and percentages. Result Out of a total of 162 neonates with blood culture positive neonatal sepsis, males were 106 (65.4%). Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found with a frequency of 83 (51.5%) and 79 (48.5%), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas were the commonest isolates in 50.5% and 25.7% of cases, respectively. The Gram-positive organism was mostly sensitive to amikacin and vancomycin whereas the Gram-negative was mostly sensitive to amikacin, imipenem, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. For the sepsis, the causative bacteria and antibiotics sensitivity pattern changes over a period of time. Continued surveillance is required to help reduce morbidity and mortality through developing institution-based guidelines.