Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection that occurs in an infant younger than 90 days old. Early-onset sepsis is seen in the first week of life. Late-onset sepsis occurs between days 8 and 89.

Sepsis neonatorum; Neonatal septicemia

A number of different bacteria, including E.coli, Listeria, and certain strains of Streptococcus, may cause neonatal sepsis.

Early-onset neonatal sepsis most often appears within 24 hours of birth. The baby gets the infection from the mother before or during delivery. The following increases an infant's risk of early-onset sepsis:

• Group B Streptococcus infection during pregnancy
• Preterm delivery
• Rupture of membranes (placenta tissue) that lasts longer than 24 hours
• Infection of the placenta tissues and amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis)
• Frequent vaginal examinations during labor

Babies with late-onset neonatal sepsis get infected after delivery. The following increase an infant's risk of sepsis after delivery:

• Contaminated hospital equipment
• Exposure to medicines that lead to antibiotic resistance
• Having a catheter in a blood vessel for a long time
• Staying in the hospital for an extended period of time

Infants with neonatal sepsis may have the following symptoms:

• Body temperature changes
• Breathing problems
• Diarrhea
• Low blood sugar
• Reduced movements
• Reduced sucking
• Seizures
• Slow heart rate
• Swollen belly area
• Vomiting
• Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Laboratory tests can help diagnose neonatal sepsis and identify the bacteria that is causing the infection. Blood tests may include:

• Blood culture
• C-reactive protein
• White blood cell count

If a bacterial infection is strongly suspected, other tests may include lumbar puncture, urine tests, and chest x-rays.