Neonatal Sepsis: Pathogens, Clinical Challenges, and Emerging Solutions

Neonatal sepsis remains a major cause of preventable newborn deaths worldwide despite advances in maternal screening, antibiotic use, and neonatal care. Persistent diagnostic delays, rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and unequal access to resources highlight the urgent need for new approaches. This review summarizes the primary pathogens responsible for early- and late-onset neonatal sepsis, along with their transmission routes, virulence factors, and clinical presentations. We examine promising innovations in rapid molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, artificial intelligence (AI), maternal vaccination, and immunotherapies that have the potential to transform prevention and treatment strategies. By consolidating current evidence and addressing gaps in global care, this review calls for standardized protocols and equitable implementation of these advancements to reduce the global burden of neonatal sepsis.