Clinical, laboratory, and bacteriological correlations in neonatal sepsis: A prospective observational study

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical for improved outcomes. Blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosing neonatal sepsis and allows targeted antimicrobial therapy, and its results may be delayed for up to 48 hours. This study investigated the clinical features, sepsis screening parameters, and bacteriological profiles of neonatal sepsis patients to establish correlations that can guide timely diagnosis and treatment. Study design: This prospective observational study included 106 neonates admitted with suspected sepsis over two years. Clinical features, septic screening results, and blood culture findings were analysed. Results: Of the 106 neonates, 51.9% were male, 52.8% were preterm babies, and 71.6% had low birth weights. Respiratory distress (25%) was the most common symptom. Blood cultures were positive for 33.9%, predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae (66.7%). Among the sepsis screening parameters, the micro-ESR had the highest sensitivity and specificity. Mortality was 3.8%. Conclusions: Combining clinical features, sepsis screening tests, and blood cultures improves the early detection and management of neonatal sepsis.