Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low and middle-income countries. Infections contribute to 20.8% of neonatal mortality in India. The morbidities related to neonatal infections include prolonged hospital stay, increased cost of care, retinopathy of prematurity, periventricular leukomalacia, and abnormal neurodevelopment. Neonatal sepsis is classified as early onset sepsis (EOS) for symptom onset before 72 hours of birth, and as late-onset sepsis (LOS) for symptoms beginning 72 hours after birth.
EOS is related to maternal infection and LOS is often hospital-acquired. Hospital/healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are potentially preventable. Various principles underline the formulation of infection prevention and control strategies. These include, but not limited to improving hand hygiene practices, good housekeeping practices, improving…
