Abstract:
Back ground: Neonatal sepsis one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in
developing countries. Identifying the causative bacteria, determining their drug sensitivity
patterns and associated factors are important for effective management of septicemic neonates.
Objectives: This study aimed of to assess the bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility patterns
and associated factors of neonatal sepsis among clinically diagnosed neonates in Ambo town.
Method and Material: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Ambo public hospital with
210 clinically diagnosed neonatal sepsis from Feb 2024 to June 2024. Clinical and
sociodemographic data was collected using structured tools. A 0.5ml to 1ml blood was
collected and inoculated into a tryptone soya broth. By using standard bacteriological
techniques isolation and identification of the bacteria carried out. Antimicrobial susceptibility
patterns determined following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines by Kirby
Bauer disc diffusion method. Data entered into Epi data version 3.1 SPSS version-26 was used
for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression used to identify significant risk
factors. The strength of association was measured by odd ratio with 95% confidence intervals
of P-value < 0.05 were statistically significant.
Result: Among the 210 neonates, 81(38.6%) were culture positive. Of these, 57(46.3%) were
gram-positive and 66(53.7%) were gram-negative. Staphylococcus aureus 32(26.02%) was the
most common isolates followed by Klebsiella pneumonia 19(15.45%).Ceftriaxone and
Ampicillin are effective for gram-positive. Multidrug resistance was displayed in 69(56.1%)
of bacterial isolates. Neonates with low birth weight, prolonged rupture of membrane, antenatal
care follow up, and a history of urinary tract infections were associated with neonatal sepsis
([AOR: 3.104, 95%CI=1.322, 7.284, P=0.009], [AOR: 4.255: 95%CI=1.576, 11.486, P=0.00],
[AOR: 4.014, 95%CI 1.249, 12.905 P=0.02] and [AOR: 5.309; 95%CI =5.309, 16.208,
P=0.00]) respectively.
Conclusion and recommendation: The study revealed, high magnitude of culture confirmed
bacterial sepsis and multidrug-resistant bacteria was recorded. Neonatal Birth weight,
premature rupture of membranes, antenatal care follow-up, and mothers’ history of urinary
tract infections was significantly associated with neonatal sepsis Effective management of
neonatal sepsis requires monitoring antibiotic resistance and strengthening maternal care.
