Changing bacteriological patterns in neonatal septicaemia

The various organisms responsible for septicaemia and their changing sensitivity patterns were studied. The incidence of neonatal septicaemia was 26·3%. Group I comprised of 242 cases in 1981–1982 and group II 150 cases in 1984. Gram negative organisms were isolated in the majority of blood cultures, 52·5% and 43·4% in group I and II respectively. Klebsiella though showing a fall in incidence, still remained the commonest Gram negative organism isolated. The incidence of E. coli, pseudomonas and staphylococcal infections also doubled in group II as compared to group I. An alarming trend was the increasing resistance of the isolates to commonly used penicillins and aminoglycosides. The incidence of organisms resistant to all commonly used antibiotics has also increased from 13% to about 40%. This problem could be combated by rotating the commonly used antibiotic combinations, as well as discouraging the unnecessary use of antibiotics.