Causes for Neonatal Sepsis, Newborn Sepsis, Neonatal Infection, Sepsis Treatment
Neonatal sepsis is a severe bacterial infection occurring in a newborn. Infants are particularly susceptible to infection due to their immature immune system and lack of immunity.
Group B streptococcus is the most common bacteria that causes septicemia and sepsis in newborns. This bacteria can gain entry via the placenta, in the birth canal or after delivery.
However, a number of other infectious disease organisms can cause neonatal infections, like:
- E. coli
- herpes
- rubella
- syphilis
- listeriosis
- candidiasis
- chickenpox
- toxoplasmosis
- coxsackie virus
- cytomegalovirus
- rotavirus, enteroviruse
- human immunodeficiency virus
Late pregnancy and newborn screening for neonatal infections and early treatment has played a major role in reducing the number of cases of newborn sepsis.
Infants with neonatal sepsis or infection may exhibit some of these symptoms:
- apnea
- shock
- diarrhea
- seizures
- jaundice
- vomiting
- cyanosis
- irritability
- skin rashes
- nasal flaring
- weak sucking
- rapid breathing
- low blood sugar
- slowed heart rate
- lethargic, inactive
- irregular heartbeat
- breathing difficulty
- abdominal distention
- body temperature fluctuations ~ hypothermia
Neonatal meningitis, pneumonia, respiratory distress and conjunctivitis are possible complication concerns for a infection in newborn as well. Bacteria or virus infection can be the causer for newborn conjunctivitis.
Antibiotic treatment is commenced immediately if bacteria is the suspected cause of your baby’s infection. With prompt sepsis treatment, many newborns completely recover from bacteria caused infection.
Nonetheless, newborn sepsis is one of the leading causes for infant death.
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