Neonatal Sepsis, 2013

Statewide surveillance for neonatal sepsis includes reporting of any bacteria (other than coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) isolated from a sterile site in an infant <7 days of age, and mandatory submission of isolates.

In 2013, 36 cases of neonatal sepsis (0.53 cases per 1,000 live births) were reported compared to 40 cases (0.58 cases per 1,000 live births) in 2012. Among these cases, all were identified via blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most cases (86%) were culture-positive within the first 2 days of life. In 2013, group B Streptococcus was the most common bacteria (17), followed by Escherichia coli (9), Streptococcus viridians (5), and 1 each Enterococcus spp., Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and group A Streptococcus.

• For up to date information see>> Neonatal Sepsis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2013