Publications by authors named "Mark Wates"
Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Increasing antibiotic resistance in early onset (< 72 h of life) bloodstream infection (EO-BSI) pathogens in LMIC has reduced the effectiveness of the recommended empiric antibiotic regimen (ampicillin plus gentamicin).
Methods: We retrospectively analysed blood culture-confirmed EO-BSI episodes at nine neonatal units from three central and six peripheral hospitals in the Western Cape Province, South Africa between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018.
Article Synopsis
- * The study involved 23,748 neonates and found a HA-BSI rate of 2.0 per 1000 patient days, with the highest rates in very low birth weight infants and high mortality (31.8%) associated with infections, particularly in preterm and those with Gram-negative/fungal infections.
- * Empiric antibiotic coverage varied by hospital, averaging 66-92%, but concerns were raised about increasing carbapenem resistance, highlighting the need for regular updates to treatment protocols.