Neonatal septicemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the study site. Most of the predisposing factors were due to poor obstetric care and unsterile delivery practices which could be avoided and prevented, and the causative organisms were different from those in the developed countries. There was appreciable resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Simple and sustainable interventions such as promotion of clean and timely deliveries, modern newborn care and specialized diagnostic facilities, hand washing and barrier nursing, and restriction of antibiotics may help reduce the burden of neonatal infection in the study community.

Treatment protocols of SOM in children should emphasize the use of Ciprofloxacin or Gentamicin, especially in situations with limited access to laboratory services or specialist care.

No abstract