Background: Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality, accounting for 30–50% of neonatal deaths annually in developing countries. It is defined as bacteremia with clinical signs of infection during the first month of life. This study aimed to identify the prevalent pathogens causing neonatal sepsis in neonates admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), assess the differences in microbial patterns between early-onset (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS), determine associated risk factors, and evaluate pathogen-specific case fatality rates.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted in SCBUs of pediatric hospitals in Kirkuk, Iraq, over six months (January 1 to June 1, 2021). Neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis underwent blood cultures and were assessed for risk factors and outcomes.
Result: Out of 200 neonates, 87.5% had culture-proven sepsis. Common risk factors included prematurity, prolonged rupture of membranes, and maternal fever. Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with coli and Klebsiella common in early and late-onset sepsis, respectively. Mortality reached 41%, highest with Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis remains a major health burden in developing countries. Prematurity, prolonged membrane rupture, and maternal fever are significant risk factors. Gram-negative organisms are the predominant pathogens, with notable differences between EOS and LOS.