晚发型新生儿败血症院内感染和社区感染的病原菌对比与分析

目的 晚发型败血症是新生儿期常见的感染性疾病,也是新生儿死亡的常见原因之一.新生儿一旦感染,病情可以迅速恶化,故早期有效的抗菌素治疗至关重要.该研究的目的 就是通过回顾性地分析晚发型新生儿败血症(LONS)的病原菌及其药敏,以指导临床早期对可疑LONS患儿合理用药.方法 对2002年1月1日至2005年12月31日温州医学院附属育英儿童医院NICU收住的具有临床表现以及至少一次血培养阳性的LONS临床特点、药敏进行回顾性分析.结果 102例LONS多通过皮肤、消化道、呼吸道等途径感染,临床表现无特异性.其中院内感染22例,社区感染80例,院内感染组与社区感染组比较,患儿胎龄小,体重轻,发病早(t=2.255、P＜0.01,t=8.818、P＜0.01,t=7.581、P＜0.05),差异有统计学意义.两组患儿血培养共检出110株病原菌,以凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌(CNS)居首(50/103,48.5%),其次为肺炎克雷伯杆菌(16/103,15.5%)、金黄色葡萄球菌(9/103,8.7%).社区感染主要病原菌为葡萄球菌属和大肠埃希菌,院内感染则为肺炎克雷伯菌.大部分(＞80%)的葡萄球菌尤其是CNS对青霉素类、红霉素及头孢唑啉耐药,MRSA达66.7%(6/9),但对万古霉素未发现耐药,大部分对利福平亦敏感.几乎所有(15/16)的ESBLS肺炎克雷伯菌具多重耐药性,仅对碳青霉烯类、氨基糖苷类以及喹诺酮类等少数抗菌药物敏感.发现1例对万古霉素耐药的粪肠球菌,然而,未发现B组链球菌感染的病例.结论 LONS临床表现非特异性,B组链球菌不是温州地区社区感染LONS的主要致病菌.由于医院和社区抗菌素的滥用,出现越来越多的多重耐药菌.对于可疑败血症患者应常规进行血培养以确定病原菌,并根据最可能的病原菌选用相关抗生素.为减少多重耐药菌感染的发生,应尽量减少第三代头孢菌素的使用.     

Aetiology of neonatal sepsis in Blantyre, Malawi: 1996-2001

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to report causes, antibiotic resistance and outcome of neonatal sepsis (often fatal in developing countries) in Malawi. METHODS: All blood and cerebrospinal fluid isolates collected between January 1996 and December 2001 from inpatients aged 0-30 days with suspected sepsis at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi were reviewed. In vitro resistance to antibiotics commonly used in Malawi was assessed. Case fatality rate was analysed with respect to age, bacterial pathogen and infection site. RESULTS: A total of 801 bacteria were isolated from 784 neonates over 6 years-599 isolates from blood and 202 from cerebrospinal fluid. Overall, 54% of bacteria were gram-positive and 46% gram-negative. The commonest causes of neonatal sepsis were group B Streptococcus (17%) and non-typhoidal Salmonella (14%). In vitro antibiotic susceptibility to the first-line antibiotic combination of penicillin and gentamicin was 78% for all isolates, but in vitro sensitivities to gentamicin for Klebsiella spp and non-typhoidal Salmonella were only 33% and 53%, respectively. In-hospital case fatality rate was known for only 301 cases and was high at 48%. Group B Streptococcus was associated with the best outcome. Mortality was significantly higher if presentation was in the 1st week of life or if sepsis was caused by gram-negative bacteria. The causes of neonatal sepsis in this population show a different pattern from other studies in developing countries.     

新生儿重症监护室肺炎克雷伯菌败血症危险因素及临床特征

目的分析新生儿重症监护室（NICU）中肺炎克雷伯菌败血症的危险因素和临床特征，做到早期诊断和合理治疗。方法对我院NICU 2005年1月至2008年5月期间16例确诊为肺炎克雷伯菌败血症患儿的临床资料和药敏结果进行回顾性分析，并与同期32例非败血症患儿和33例其他病原体所致败血症患儿进行比较。结果低出生体质量、外周静脉中心静脉置管（PICC）、先期使用3代头孢菌素为肺炎克雷伯菌败血症的危险因素，所有病例均属于医院获得性感染，全部发生在早产儿，81．2％是极低出生体重儿；若同时合并其他致病菌感染预后差；肺炎克雷伯菌93％为产β内酰胺酶（ESBL）菌株，100％对亚胺培南类药物敏感，对常用头孢类药物不敏感。结论肺炎克雷伯菌已成为NICU中败血症的主要致病茵，而且多为医院感染。与早产低出生体质量、PICC、先期使用3代头孢菌素有关，耐药性强，碳青霉烯类是敏感药物。     

Neonatal nosocomial infections

OBJECTIVE: To review the current medical literature on neonatal nosocomial infections, emphasizing aspects of neonatal colonization, immune system and infection mechanisms, modes of transmission, epidemiology, surveillance and prevention of these infections, in addition to assessing peculiarities about etiologic agents and prophylactic recommendations. SOURCES: Electronic search in the Medline and LILACS databases, with selection of the most relevant articles published within the last ten years. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The several peculiarities that cause greater susceptibility to infection in newborns, and the survival of preterm infants due to the invasive procedures and treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics at intensive care units are responsible for prevalence rates of neonatal nosocomial infections between 9.3 and 25.6%. Neonatal nosocomial infections affect at least 50% of newborns who weigh less than 1500 g, which ends up increasing mortality rates. Full-term newborns frequently have skin and soft tissue lesions caused by gram-positive organisms. In neonatal intensive care units, sepsis and pneumonia are frequently diagnosed (especially those caused by S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and E. cloacae). An increasing frequency of resistance to several antimicrobial drugs has been observed. A nosocomial infection surveillance program tailored to the characteristics of the neonatal unit allows the identification of infection outbreaks, the rational use of antibiotics and the application of preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal nosocomial infections are a relevant problem. Their control can only be achieved if adequate measures concerning pregnant women, hospital environment, nursing staff, and newborns are adopted. Although new prophylactic measures are being proposed for preterm infants, they are costly and do not preclude continued epidemiological surveillance and control in neonatal units.     

Clinical features of neonatal sepsis caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria

Background:  Clinical features and outcomes of neonatal sepsis caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria are not well described in Jordan. The aim of the present study was therefore to describe microbiology and clinical features, laboratory findings and outcomes of early- and late-onset Gram-negative neonatal sepsis.
Methods:  All patients with Gram-negative bacteremia between July 2003 and June 2005 were retrospectively included. Resistance profiles, clinical features and outcomes of early and late-onset neonatal sepsis were compared.
Results:  A total of 79 patients (after excluding all nine cases of Gram-positive bloodstream infection (BSI) were identified as having Gram-negative BSI (25 had early-onset and 54 had late-onset neonatal sepsis). Respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis and requirement of ventilation were found in 74.7%, 40.5%, and 58.2%, respectively. Hypotension was found in 22.9% of patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae was responsible for 43 cases (54.4.2%). Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance rates to ampicillin and ceftazidime were 100% and 50%, respectively. Mortality rate was 30.9%. Forty-eight percent of deaths occurred within 3 days of sepsis. Meningitis was diagnosed in five cases. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and thrombocytopenia were seen in 28% and 24% of infants with early-onset sepsis, respectively, and in 79.6%, 59.3% of infants with late-onset sepsis respectively.
Conclusion:  Both early- and late-onset neonatal sepsis are caused by highly resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Mortality of sepsis is high. Elevated CRP and thrombocytopenia is seen more commonly in late-onset neonatal sepsis.     

Neonatal sepsis

Neonatal sepsis is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity. It can be early (less than 72 h) or late onset (more than 72 h age). Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). Risk factors include maternal sepsis, prolonged rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis and GBS colonization. Risk-based predictive models are used to identify and screen infants. Late onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) is largely caused by gram positive organisms. Risks for LONS include prematurity, low birth weight and common neonatal interventions and procedures. Signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis are often subtle leading to over and under treatment. Standard investigations include blood cultures, full blood count, C Reactive Protein and lumbar puncture. Procalcitonin is being investigated as a sensitive and specific biomarker of bacteraemia in aiding diagnosis and management. Physiological monitoring can be used to monitor the early signs of sepsis on the neonatal unit and facilitate prompt intervention. EONS is treated with benzylpenicillin and an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and most LONS can be managed with narrow spectrum antibiotics, in addition to supportive management as required. Antibiotic duration is best determined by culture results, biomarkers and clinical response to treatment. This article will discuss the evidence for treatment of neonatal sepsis and offers practical advice and guidance for a clinician faced with this important clinical dilemma.     

Changing Etiology and Outcome of Neonatal Septicemia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT. To study the etiology of neonatal septicemia and factors associated with outcome, all charts of neonates with bacteremia and clinical sepsis admitted to a neonatal unit in Saudi Arabia, from 1 November 1980 to 31 October 1984 were reviewed. The results were compared to a previous study period in the unit (1 November 1976-31 October 1980). Septicemia was diagnosed on 50 occasions in 49 neonates. The incidence of neonatal sepsis among patients bom in the hospital was 2.5/1000 live births. Mortality from sepsis was 33% and was associated with neutropenia in 63%. The most commonly isolated bacteria were E. coli , Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella enteritidis serotypes were isolated in 4% of the cases. Group B streptococci (GBS) were isolated, for the first time, from blood of 3 neonates. Salmonella species were less frequently and GBS more often isolated than previously. GBS have now appeared as etiologic organisms in neonatal sepsis also in Saudi Arabia. Salmonella septicemia remains more common in Saudi Arabia than in the West.     

Entrobacter,the Most Common Pathogen of Neonatal Septicemia in Rasht,Iran

Objective

Bacterial sepsis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Bacterial pathogens of neonatal septicemia may vary from one country to another and within a country from one hospital or region to another. Both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria are responsible in neonatal sepsis. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalent bacterial agents of neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial susceptibility in a teaching hospital, Rasht, from February 2008 to February 2010.

Methods

This prospective study includes 611 newborns admitted with the probable diagnosis of septicemia. We studied the cases with positive blood culture, the pathogens and antibiotic resistance to different antibiotics.

Findings

Among 611 hospitalized newborns, 64 (10.6%) cases had positive blood culture. The commonest pathogens were Entrobacter (78.1%) and Klebsiella (6.2%).

Conclusion

According to the results, low birth weight and prematurity were associated with higher risk of sepsis significantly. The most common pathogen was Enterobacter. Treatment with effective antibiotics (e.g. gentamicin, cost effective and easily available) and hygienic care in the neonatal unit are recommended to eliminate the infectious factors especially Entrobacter.     

Management of neonates with suspected or proven early-onset bacterial sepsis

With improved obstetrical management and evidence-based use of intrapartum antimicrobial therapy, early-onset neonatal sepsis is becoming less frequent. However, early-onset sepsis remains one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the preterm population. The identification of neonates at risk for early-onset sepsis is frequently based on a constellation of perinatal risk factors that are neither sensitive nor specific. Furthermore, diagnostic tests for neonatal sepsis have a poor positive predictive accuracy. As a result, clinicians often treat well-appearing infants for extended periods of time, even when bacterial cultures are negative. The optimal treatment of infants with suspected early-onset sepsis is broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (ampicillin and an aminoglycoside). Once a pathogen is identified, antimicrobial therapy should be narrowed (unless synergism is needed). Recent data suggest an association between prolonged empirical treatment of preterm infants (≥5 days) with broad-spectrum antibiotics and higher risks of late onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality. To reduce these risks, antimicrobial therapy should be discontinued at 48 hours in clinical situations in which the probability of sepsis is low. The purpose of this clinical report is to provide a practical and, when possible, evidence-based approach to the management of infants with suspected or proven early-onset sepsis.     

新生儿细菌和真菌败血症的临床特征和住院费用比较

目的 分析比较革兰阳性菌(G+)、革兰阴性菌(G-)和真菌所致新生儿败血症的临床特征和住院费用.方法 对236 例新生儿败血症患儿的临床资料进行回顾性分析,包括G+ 菌败血症110 例,G-菌败血症68 例,真菌败血症58 例.结果 G+ 菌组足月儿占62%,G-菌组足月儿占38%,真菌组早产儿占86%,真菌组新生儿的胎龄、出生体重小于G+ 菌组和G-菌组(P-菌组、真菌组中多胎所占比例高于G+ 菌组(P-菌组胎膜早破>18 h、羊水Ⅲ度污染、早发型败血症的比例均高于G+ 菌组和真菌组(P+ 菌组起病症状为体温异常、脐炎或疱疹的患儿比例高于G-菌组和真菌组(P+ 菌组和G-菌组(P+ 菌组和G-菌组(P+ 菌组和G-菌组(P+ 菌组和G-菌组(P结论 G+菌败血症以足月儿为主;G-菌败血症多见于早发型;真菌败血症多见于早产儿和低出生体重儿,易发生呼吸暂停、血小板减少,且住院时间和住院费用高于细菌败血症.     

Changing etiology and outcome of neonatal septicemia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To study the etiology of neonatal septicemia and factors associated with outcome, all charts of neonates with bacteremia and clinical sepsis admitted to a neonatal unit in Saudi Arabia, from 1 November 1980 to 31 October 1984 were reviewed. The results were compared to a previous study period in the unit (1 November 1976-31 October 1980). Septicemia was diagnosed on 50 occasions in 49 neonates. The incidence of neonatal sepsis among patients born in the hospital was 2.5/1,000 live births. Mortality from sepsis was 33% and was associated with neutropenia in 63%. The most commonly isolated bacteria were E. coli, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella enteritidis serotypes were isolated in 4% of the cases. Group B streptococci (GBS) were isolated, for the first time, from blood of 3 neonates. Salmonella species were less frequently and GBS more often isolated than previously. GBS have now appeared as etiologic organisms in neonatal sepsis also in Saudi Arabia. Salmonella septicemia remains more common in Saudi Arabia than in the West.     

Multidrug resistant neonatal sepsis in Peshawar,Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spectrum of organisms causing neonatal sepsis in Peshawar, Pakistan and to assess their sensitivity to various groups of drugs. METHODS: Blood taken from newborn babies admitted to the special care baby unit at the Khyber Teaching Hospital with a clinical diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was cultured. The data obtained from October 1997 to December 2000 were analysed and the results tabulated. RESULTS: A total of 1598 blood cultures were taken; 1003 were positive (positivity rate 62.8%). Escherichia coli was the most common organism found (36.6%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (29.5%), Pseudomonas (22.4%), Klebsiella (7.6%), and Proteus (3.8%). No group B streptococcus was grown. Listeria monocytogenes was found in one cerebrospinal fluid culture. E coli and Pseudomonas showed a high degree of resistance to commonly used antibiotics (ampicillin, augmentin, and gentamicin), a moderate degree of resistance to cephalosporin (cefotaxime, ceftzidime, and ceftrioxone), and low resistance to drugs not used for newborn babies (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enoxabid). S aureus showed a low resistance to all three groups of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of neonatal admission, morbidity, and mortality in developing countries. Gram negative organisms are the major cause of neonatal sepsis in Peshawar. Such organisms have developed multidrug resistance, and management of patients infected with them is becoming a problem in developing countries.     

Blood Culture Isolates in Neonatal Sepsis and their Sensitivity in Anand District of India

Objectives

To study prevalent organisms in neonatal sepsis, their sensitivity to antibiotics and outcome in neonates with culture proven sepsis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of hospital records of 4 y. From 276 culture positive reports of 226 newborns, organisms, their sensitivity to different antibiotics were studied and their outcome was compared to 571 culture negative newborns. Growth detection was done by BacT/ALERT®PF system.

Results

Most common isolates were Klebsiella (42.4 %), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (11.2 %), Enterobacter (9.4 %), Escherichia coli (9.1 %), Pseudomonas (5.4 %) and Acinetobacter (4.7 %). Gram negative organisms were predominant both in early-onset and late-onset neonatal sepsis as well as in inborn and outborn newborns and most of them were resistant to commonly used first line antibiotics like ampicillin, gentamicin and cephalosporins. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing Klebsiella and Escherichia coli were 94.87 % and 92 %, respectively. Methicillin resistant Staphylococci were 33 %. Vancomycin resistance among the Enterococci was 20 %. Most effective first line antibiotic combinations were amikacin with levofloxacin and amikacin with piperacillin-tazobactam. Survival in culture positive newborns (43.36 %, 95 % CI 37.07 to 49.88) was poor than culture negative newborns (53.06 %, 95 % CI 48.96 to 57.12).

Conclusions

Gram negative organisms were most common cause of neonatal sepsis and were resistant to first line antibiotics. Blood culture positive newborns had poor outcome than culture negative newborns.     

Citrobacter sepsis in infants

A study of blood cultures from 320 cases of neonatal sepsis showed 136 (42.5%) to be positive for bacterial growth; of these 82 (60.29%) isolates being gram negative bacilli. Citrobacter was the commonest gram negative bacilli isolated. Other commonly isolated gram negative organisms were Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Salmonella typhimurium, Acinetobacter and Escherichia coli. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern revealed the isolates to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics.     

Effects of antenatal antibiotics on the incidence and bacteriological profile of early-onset neonatal sepsis. A retrospective study over five years

BACKGROUND: Recommendations for the use of antenatal antibiotics have been widely implemented in the past few years, notably to prevent group B streptococcal disease or to prolong pregnancy in the case of preterm premature rupture of the membranes. OBJECTIVES: We designed a retrospective study to assess the potential effects of this increasing use of antibiotics on the incidence and bacteriological profile of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). METHODS: All neonates referred to our department for suspected EONS from January 1 1995 through December 31 1999 were included. Antenatal antibiotic exposure together with clinical and microbiological data from the neonatal period were gathered and analyzed on a yearly basis. RESULTS: Of the 485 newborns who met the inclusion criteria, there were 101 cases of culture-confirmed sepsis; 339 cases of suspected sepsis and 69 cases of confirmed sepsis involved children born in the hospital, among a total of 16,627 live births registered in our center over the study period. The overall incidence of EONS dropped from 6.8 to 0.6/1,000 births between 1995 and 1999 (p < 0.001), but the rate of group B streptococcal infection decreased much more rapidly than that of non-group B streptococcal infection. We observed a trend towards the emergence of ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli strains, which were isolated in seven cases. Among E. COLI infections, ampicillin resistance was statistically linked with antenatal antibiotic use (p = 0.025). We also delineated several risk factors associated with these infections. CONCLUSION: In our center, antenatal antibiotic treatment was effective in reducing the incidence of EONS, but this benefit may come at the cost of favoring the emergence of ampicillin-resistant organisms causing severe neonatal infections. Antenatal and postnatal antibiotic treatment strategies should take this adverse effect into account.     

Infections in the NICU: Neonatal sepsis

Neonatal infections remain an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection that can be classified as early-onset or late-onset pending the timing of presentation. The pathophysiology and causative pathogens of neonatal sepsis vary, with early-onset sepsis being associated with a vertically transmitted infection from mother to neonate versus late onset sepsis being commonly associated with nosocomial infections. The signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis mimic those associated with prematurity, making timely diagnosis difficult for treating clinicians. The management of neonatal sepsis is centered around obtaining adequate culture data and initiation of broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotics. Controversies surrounding the management of neonatal sepsis include the administration of empiric antibiotics, given recent clinical studies associating early antibiotic use with clinical sequelae such as late-onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and death in the preterm, low-birthweight infant population.     

早产儿医院感染败血症的临床特点与病原学分析

目的调查分析早产儿医院感染败血症的临床特点、病原菌分布及药敏情况。方法回顾性分析我院新生儿科2007年1月至2011年12月发生医院感染败血症的早产儿病例。结果研究期间共出院早产儿5660例,排除染色体异常和住院时间小于5天的病例,纳入分析5392例,发生医院感染败血症81例,发生率1.5%,共治愈60例,治愈率74.1%。发病时表现多种多样,最常见的实验室指标异常是C反应蛋白（CRP）升高。病原菌以革兰阴性菌最多见（57.6%）,真菌占第二位（30.3%）。其中,革兰阴性杆菌以肺炎克雷伯菌为主,对大部分β内酰胺类抗生素耐药;革兰阳性菌以表皮葡萄球菌为主,大多对青霉素耐药,对万古霉素敏感;真菌感染均为念珠菌,对氟康唑、两性霉素B均敏感。结论早产儿医院感染败血症临床表现各异,CRP升高是较敏感的指标。致病菌主要为革兰阴性菌和真菌,革兰阴性菌对大部分β-内酰胺类抗生素耐药。     

Antimicrobial therapy in newborn infants

Newborn infants possess an underdeveloped immune system and lack ability to localize infection. Neonatal sepsis and meningitis is most commonly caused by bacteria acquired from the maternal genitourinary and gastro-intestinal tract. Infection in a neonate carries a very high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, antimicrobial therapy should be prompt and based on expected bacterial etiologies, laboratory studies and a knowledge of the pharmacokinetic data of commonly used antibiotics.     

Neonatal sepsis in Jamaican neonates

AIM: To determine the incidence and causative organisms of bacterial sepsis in neonates at The University Hospital of the West Indies. METHODS: A retrospective review of all neonates with culture-proven sepsis admitted to the hospital between January 1995 and December 2000 was conducted. Incidence rates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined. RESULTS: There were 4702 admissions to the neonatal unit during the study period. Of these, 135 had culture-proven sepsis and 115 were inborn, giving an incidence of 6.7/1000 live births. There were 89 positive blood cultures, 51 positive urine cultures and two positive CSF cultures. The single most common organism was Klebsiella spp (28%). Other organisms included Escherichia coli (16%), group B Streptococcus (11%) and Enterobacter spp (10%). The aminoglycoside resistance rate of Klebsiella spp was 46% and seven isolates had multiple resistance to antibiotics. There was a case fatality rate of 6.7%. CONCLUSION: Physicians involved in newborn care at The University Hospital of the West Indies need to recognise the important role Klebsiella now plays in neonatal sepsis and its contribution to neonatal mortality. Empirical antibiotic regimens for gram-negative sepsis must take into consideration the high rates of aminoglycoside resistance that are now prevalent.     

Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal disease: progress, challenges and dilemmas

Significant advances in the prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease have occurred in the last decade. In Australia, as well as in centres overseas, intrapartum penicillin given to carrier mothers has been shown to unequivocally decrease early onset neonatal GBS sepsis. In choosing which women should receive intrapartum chemoprophylaxis, recent data suggest that screening programmes for the detection of GBS carriage may be more effective than risk-based strategies to prevent early onset neonatal GBS sepsis. Combined vaginal and rectal swabs, collected between 35 and 37 weeks gestation, either by a health care worker or by the patient herself and inoculated onto selective media after enrichment provide the optimum conditions to detect carriage. Increasingly erythromycin and clindamycin resistance is being described overseas, which may influence the choice of antibiotics used in those allergic to penicillin. Widespread antibiotic use, particularly with broad-spectrum agents, may lead to increasing neonatal sepsis with ampicillin resistant organisms. Whilst rates of non-GBS neonatal sepsis are generally stable there is evidence suggesting that Escherichia coli sepsis in premature infants is increasing. Novel vaccination strategies for GBS are being developed that may ultimately provide broader protection for mothers and babies and eliminate the need for intrapartum antibiotics.