risk factors in neonatal anaerobic infections

anaerobic bacteria are well known causes of sepsis in adults but there are few studies regarding their role in neonatal sepsis. in an attempt to define the incidence of neonatal anaerobic infections a prospective study was performed during one year period. a total number of 400 neonates under sepsis study were entered this investigation. anaerobic as well as aerobic cultures were sent. the patients were subjected to comparison in two groups: anaerobic culture positive and anaerobic culture negative and this comparison were analyzed statistically. there were 7 neonates with positive anaerobic culture and 35 neonates with positive aerobic culture. a significant statistical relationship was found between anaerobic infections and abdominal distention and pneumonia. it is recommended for those neonates with abdominal distention and pneumonia refractory to antibiotic treatment to be started on antibiotics with anaerobic coverage.