Blood culture and sensitivity pattern in Neonotology unit of Children Hospital Lahore

Objectives: To identify spectrum of organisms causing neonatal sepsis and the sensitivity pattern against commonly used antibiotics. Study design: Prospective descriptive study. Material and method: Blood samples were taken from all neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis before start of antibiotics and sent for culture by standard method. The data obtained from January 2004 to June 2004 was analyzed and results were tabulated. Results: A total of 1900 blood samples were taken. Cultures were positive in 524 samples (27.6%). E Coli was the most common organism found (31.67%) followed by Staph Epidermidis (24.80%), Klebsiella (19.08%) and Pseudomonas (14.69%). Amikacin was the most effective drug followed by Co-Amoxi Clav, Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem and Ceftazidime in that order. Gram positive and gram negative organisms showed a high degree of resistance against Ampicillin and Gentamycin respectively. Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Gram negative organ isms are the major cause of neonatal sepsis in NNU of Children Hospital. In this study these organisms showed resistance against commonly used antibiotics (Ampicillin, Gentamycin and Cefotaxime). There is a need to modify already existing protocol in NNU of Children Hospital.