BACTERIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF ISOLATES OF NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA

BACKGROUND: In India neonatal septicemia is a leading cause of mortality. Region-wise variation regarding the predominant pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern were observed. The study was undertaken to know the pattern in this region. METHOD: The study comprised of 210 clinically suspected cases of neonatal septicemia admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit. Two to three ml blood was collected aseptically in Trypticase Soya broth and isolates were identified. RESULT: Growth was obtained in 106(50.47%) samples. Gram negative organisms were predominant. Multidrug resistant was observed in most of the organisms. CONCLUSION: As there was species - wise variation in antibiotic resistant pattern of organisms, we recommend antibiotic sensitivity should be done before starting antibiotics. As for as possible, first and second line antibiotics should be included in primary sensitivity testing to avoid delay in treatment and inappropriate use of antibiotics.