An Observational Study of Clinical Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Neonatal Sepsis at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Periodic assessment and documentation of clinical and bacteriological profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of neonatal sepsis across geographic regions is essential to guide rational management. Methodology: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, from September 2022 to June 2024. A total of 200 neonates between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation with either clinical or culture-proven sepsis were enrolled. Clinical and demographic data were collected using a structured proforma, and blood cultures were performed using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Out of 200 neonates, 123 (61.5%) were males and 77 (38.5%) females, with the majority being preterm and low birth weight (LBW). Culture positivity was seen in 53 (26.5%) cases. Klebsiella pneumoniae ​​​​​was the predominant isolate found in 12 (22.6%) cases, followed by Escherichia coli in 6 (11.3%) cases. Gram-negative organisms exhibited high resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, while aminoglycosides and carbapenems showed the best sensitivity profile. Maternal risk factors such as anemia and fever were frequently associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusions: Klebsiella pneumoniae remains the leading cause of neonatal sepsis in this region, with worrying resistance trends to commonly used antibiotics. Continuous microbial surveillance and adherence to antibiotic stewardship protocols are vital to prevent treatment failures and improve neonatal outcomes.