Neonatal Sepsis in a Resource-Limited Setting: Causative Microorganisms and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile.

Background: Empiric treatment of suspected neonatal sepsis must be based on data on setting-specific causative pathogens and their respective susceptibilities to antimicrobials, as well as universal treatment guidelines. This approach will ensure better therapeutic outcomes and reduce mortality. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated microorganisms responsible for neonatal sepsis in a regional hospital in Ghana. Methods: This was a retrospective study that assessed causative microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of neonates suspected of sepsis at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. Blood culture was done using a fully automated BACTEC 9240 blood culture system. Bacteria isolates were identified by Gram staining and conventional biochemical methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion method, and interpretations were carried out according to clinical and laboratory standards. Culture and antibiotic sensitivity reports were obtained and the data subsequently analyzed. Results: Of 2514 blood samples collected from neonates suspected of neonatal sepsis, 528 (21.0%) of the samples were found to be culture-positive. The majority of these positive cultures were from male neonates (68.9%). A total of 11 different pathogens were isolated, of which Gram-positive organisms had a preponderance of 72.0% over Gram-negative organisms (28.0%). Conclusion: The prevalence of culture-proven sepsis was 21.0%. The most prevalent Gram-negative bacteria were