Neonatal sepsis in low-income countries: epidemiology, diagnosis and prevention.

Neonatal sepsis in low-income countries: epidemiology, diagnosis and prevention. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2020 Feb 18;: Authors: Popescu CR, Cavanagh MMM, Tembo B, Chiume M, Lufesi N, Goldfarb DM, Kissoon N, Lavoie PM Abstract Introduction: Sepsis accounts for up to one third of neonatal deaths in the world each year. The World Health Organization acknowledges neonatal sepsis as a major global health concern, and that the highest burden occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite major research and clinical progress in this area, we still lack accurate diagnostic tools for neonatal sepsis, complicating the management of this condition.Areas covered: The purpose here is to review the latest data on the incidence, diagnosis, prevention and management of neonatal sepsis in LMIC. We discuss the limitations of current diagnostic tests - including their lack of availability - and how this may influence global estimates of cases. We review the benefits of antenatal, intrapartum and post-natal preventive measures. We briefly discuss the management, highlighting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Finally, we expose some high priorities areas.Expert opinion: Neonatal sepsis is a challenging condition requiring a multifaceted approach to address the major diagnostic issues, but also the underlying socio-economic causes that nourish epidemic cases in LMIC. Focusing on antibiotics as a main pillar of intervention is li...
Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther Source Type: research