OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We analyzed the spectrum of pathogens causing neonatal sepsis in various Arabic countries. METHODS: We analyzed hospital-based published studies on neonatal sepsis in eight Arabic countries documenting etiological pathogens and onset of sepsis published between 1990 and 2009. RESULTS: Twelve studies from eight Arabic countries including 2308 newborns with culture proven sepsis and clinical signs of sepsis reported that early onset sepsis ranged from 24 to 74%. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant pathogens in Libya, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq (65-90% of all sepsis cases) with Klebsiella species (spp.), Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. being the most frequent bacteria. In Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, the Gram-positive microorganisms, coagulase negative Staphylocooci and Staphylococcus aureus were taking the lead (64-75%). Group B Streptococci were the predominant pathogen (24%) in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE). Candida species were emerging in Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of microorganisms responsible for neonatal sepsis varies considerably in different Arabic countries. The predominance of Gram-negative bacteria as well as the emergence of Candida species in some areas asks for neonatal networks, benchmarking instruments, and surveillance programs of microorganisms.
OBJECTIVE:Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We analyzed the spectrum of pathogens causing neonatal sepsis in various Arabic countries. METHODS: We analyzed hospital-based published studies on neonatal sepsis in eight Arabic countries documenting etiological pathogens and onset of sepsis published between 1990 and 2009. RESULTS: Twelve studies from eight Arabic countries including 2308 newborns with culture proven sepsis and clinical signs of sepsis reported that early onset sepsis ranged from 24 to 74%. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant pathogens in Libya, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq (65-90% of all sepsis cases) with Klebsiella species (spp.), Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. being the most frequent bacteria. In Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, the Gram-positive microorganisms, coagulase negative Staphylocooci and Staphylococcus aureus were taking the lead (64-75%). Group B Streptococci were the predominant pathogen (24%) in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE). Candida species were emerging in Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of microorganisms responsible for neonatal sepsis varies considerably in different Arabic countries. The predominance of Gram-negative bacteria as well as the emergence of Candida species in some areas asks for neonatal networks, benchmarking instruments, and surveillance programs of microorganisms.