Microbiology of neonatal septicemia in a tertiary hospital in Benin City, Nigeria

Septicemia is a major cause of death in neonates. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment is necessary to treat patients with septicemia. However, the prevalence, etiology, and antibiotic susceptibility vary with location and time. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of neonatal septicemia and the effect of age and gender on this prevalence. In addition, the antibacterial susceptibility of etiologic agents was also determined. Blood samples were collected from 534 neonates (322 males and 212 females) between 1 day and 28 days of age with signs and symptoms of septicemia. The blood samples were processed to diagnose septicemia. Identification of bacterial isolates and disc susceptibility testing were performed using standard techniques. Age and gender did not significantly affect the prevalence of neonatal septicemia (p = 0.554 and 0.127, respectively). Klebsiella species were the predominant microorganism causing neonatal septicemia, in males and within the first 14 days of life. Fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, and β-lactams (with the exception of cloxacillin) were the most active antibacterial agents. An overall neonatal septicemia prevalence rate of 38.95% was observed. Klebsiella species was the most predominant isolate causing neonatal septicaemia. The β-lactam antibiotics recommended in susceptibility testing and the data collected in this study will be helpful in empiric therapy of neonatal septicemia.