Clinical predictors of bacteraemia in neonates with suspected early-onset sepsis in Malawi: a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: We studied neonates with suspected early-onset sepsis (EOS, sepsis developing in the first 72 hours after delivery) in Malawi to (1) describe clinical characteristics and microbiological findings, (2) identify which patient characteristics may be associated with pathogen positivity on blood culture, and (3) describe mortality and its potential determinants.

Design: Prospective observational study (May 2018-June 2019).

Setting: Neonatal ward in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, the largest government hospital in Malawi.