Bacterial and fungal pathogens causing neonatal sepsis and associated antimicrobial resistance in South African neonatal units-a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pathogens causing neonatal sepsis have developed resistance to antimicrobial treatment, resulting in the convergence of two public health issues; neonatal mortality and antimicrobial resistance. There are a few published studies presenting data from South Africa regarding neonatal sepsis pathogen and resistance profiles.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of bacterial and fungal neonatal sepsis pathogens and antimicrobial resistance profiles from 2005 to 2022.

Results

Nine studies were included from 1235 screened. Most studies were from two provinces in South Africa and were conducted at academic hospitals. A single study included data collected nationally. Significant heterogeneity was noted, precluding the value of conducting a formal meta-analysis.

SUBMITTER: Chibabhai V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12669888 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature