Coagulase-negative staphylococcal sepsis in infants
Christo, G.G.; Chandran, S.; Shivananda, P.G.; Baliga, M.; Venkatesh, A.
Indian Pediatrics 25(4): 338-342
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3225043 Document Number: 306328
A one-year study was undertaken to determine the incidence of coagulase negative staphylococcal sepsis among infants in our hospital and to define the clinical, hematological and other pertinent features of infants infected with this organism. An analysis of 21 cases is presented. The overall incidence in bacteriologically proven sepsis was 23%. In late-onset neonatal sepsis, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the second most common organism encountered. These infants exhibited the usual clinical features of sepsis. Hematological indices such as WBC total and differential counts and peripheral smears were helpful in the early diagnosis. Ninety-four per cent of isolates were sensitive to cloxacillin and cephaloridine. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are important pathogens in the nursery, frequently causing nosocomial infections. Microbiological surveillance of the hospital environment and personnel and the study of the sensitivity pattern of this organism in each neonatal unit is recommended.