Authors : F.F. Fadero , A.O. Aboderin , M.O. Onigbinde and A.K. Ako-Nai
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine the bacterial pathogens responsible for neonatal septicaemia as well as their antibiotic sensitivity patterns at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State of Southwestern Nigeria. In this prospective study, blood culture analysis was carried out in every neonate in the study and when a bacterial organism was cultured, its antibiotic sensitivity to a range of antimicrobial was carried out. Results obtained showed that 32 (52.5%) of the 61 neonates studied had neonatal septicaemia; 11 (34.4%) were born in the hospital maternity while the remaining 21 (65.6%) were referred to the hospital. Early onset neonatal septicaemia occurred in 10 (31.3%) and late onset septicaemia occurred in 22 (68.7%). Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus species were the two organisms isolated in 75% of the neonates; the other organisms being Klebsiella, Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus, Bacillus Species and E. Coli. The antibiotics to which most of the organisms were sensitive were Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone and Ceftazidime. Sensitivity to Ampicillin and Cloxacillin were poor. Deaths occurred in 10 (31.3%) neonates with septicaemia and in 8 (27.6%) non-septicaemic neonates. Suggestions for a reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality from septicaemia include: Infection surveillance unit in the hospital, running water to enhance aseptic technique in the handling of babies in the maternity and the Special Care Baby Units of the hospital.
F.F. Fadero , A.O. Aboderin , M.O. Onigbinde and A.K. Ako-Nai , 2007. Bacterial Pathogens and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Neonatal Septicaemia at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, (LTH), Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria . International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2: 21-24.