Bacterial Infections In Neonates In The Kenyatta National Hospital Nursery, May-July 1981, A Prospective Study

Abstract

The pattern of neonatal bacterial infections in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH nursery was analysed over a three month period with a view of finding out the causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Any suspected infected infant was subjected to a batch of bacterialogical investigations which included blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, rectal and umblical swab cultures. Other body surface swabs were taken as necessary. Predisposing factors were looked for. - Klebsiella and Esriherichia Coli were the commonest organisms incriminated in the aetiology of neonatal infections in this study, accounting for 38% of all isolates. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus albus accounted for 27%. Aminoglycosides gave the best sensitivities against all gram negative organisms tested, with gentamycin being superior to Kanamycin. Lincomycin, chloramphenicol and minocycline gave the best sensitivities against gram positive organisms.