Long-lasting effects of control measures on trends in incidence in neonatal late-onset sepsis due to multiresistant bacteria in a Brazilian neonatal unit.

Background: In response to a 1995 outbreak of sepsis caused by multidrug-resistant (MR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), a Brazilian level III neonatal unit established a series of control and prevention measures. This study evaluated the long-term effects of these measures on late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) caused by MR bacteria from 2000 to 2020 and examined their impact on in-hospital mortality.

Methods: Newborns with LONS and positive cultures for Staphylococcus aureus, GNB, and Enterococcus sp were selected, adhering to Center for Desease Control and Prevention and local criteria. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess annual trends.

Results: Over the 21-year period, the overall LONS rate was 4.6%, showing a significant decline from 2000 to 2016 (P < .0001, slope -0.36). However, from 2016 to 2020, there was a non-significant increase in sepsis rates (slope +0.92, P = .08). MR sepsis were in 15.8% of sepsis cases and displayed a non-significant upward trend (slope +0.50, P = .08) with no major shifts. In-hospital mortality rates for MR and non-MR LONS showed no significant differences (P = .413).

Discussion: The study indicates a low prevalence of MR sepsis due to effective antimicrobial use and educational interventions.

Conclusions: MR sepsis prevalence remained low and stable, not increasing in-hospital mortality.