Neonatal Septicemia: Analysis of Blood Culture Isolates and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) pose a major source of morbidity and mortality in neonates and pediatric patients, due to their undeveloped immunity and exposure to invasive interventions. The incidence of antimicrobial resistance makes therapeutic management more difficult, emphasizing the importance of timely identification and appropriate therapy. Aim: To assess the bacterial infection source causing pediatric BSIs, identify the most significant pathogens, and assess the susceptibility profile of the various pathogens to prescribe antibiotics. Methodology: An observational study in a hospital setting was performed on 90 neonates suspected of having clinical septicemia in the department of Microbiology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India. Blood samples were collected under aseptic conditions, cultured and identified for bacterial isolates by standard biochemical methods along with antibiotic susceptibility testing as advised by CLSI. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated at a higher rate than any of the other organisms investigated (51.1%); coagulase negative staphylococci, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated at the same rate (12.2%); Gra