Trends of Microorganisms and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns in Neonatal Sepsis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of causative organisms and their antibiotic susceptibility is essential for effective management, particularly in settings with rising antimicrobial resistance.

Objective: To determine the distribution of pathogens causing neonatal sepsis and assess their antibiotic sensitivity patterns at Rawal General Hospital, Islamabad.

Material and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 350 clinical samples from neonates aged 0–28 days with suspected sepsis, collected between August 2022 and August 2023. Standard culture methods were employed for bacterial isolation, and organisms were identified using Gram staining, colony morphology, and biochemical tests. Antibiotic  susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method following CLSI guidelines. Tested antibiotics included ampicillin, gentamicin, amikacin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin.

Results: Culture positivity was observed in 23 (6.6%) samples. Gram-negative bacteria predominated (73.9%), with Escherichia coli (30%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (26%) being most frequent. Gram-positive isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (17%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (13%). High resistance was noted to ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins, while amikacin and meropenem were largely effective.

Conclusion: Gram-negative bacteria are the primary pathogens in neonatal sepsis at this hospital, with significant resistance to first-line antibiotics. Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility is essential to guide empirical therapy and improve neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Neonatal sepsis; Gram-negative bacteria; Antibiotic resistance; Antimicrobial susceptibility