NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA IN BENIN-CITY, NIGERIA - REVIEW OF 74 CASES

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31  (1) , 35-39
Abstract
Cases [74] of neonatal septicemia at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital [Nigeria] over 3 yr were analyzed. The incidence was 6.1/1000 live births. Of the infants, 55% had low birth weight. The predisposing perinatal problems were asphyxia, prolonged rupture of membrane and peripartum maternal fever. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most important etiologic pathogens; both were associated with high mortality rate. The overall mortality rate was 41.5%. Based on the organisms isolated and their sensitivity patterns, the initial treatment for neonatal septicaemia should include cloxacillin and gentamycin.

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