Neonatal Sepsis, 2008

Neonatal sepsis was added to the Minnesota Rules Governing Communicable Diseases in September 2005. Surveillance and collection of isolates in addition to neonatal sepsis caused by group B Streptococcus began in January 2006. Statewide surveillance includes reporting of any bacteria (other than coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) isolated from a sterile site in an infant <7 days of age.

In 2008, 70 cases of neonatal sepsis (0.95 cases per 1000 live births) were reported compared to 55 case-patients (0.75 cases per 1000 live births) in 2007. Among these case-patients, all were identified via blood or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Most case-patients (84%) were culture-positive within the first 2 days of life. In 2008, group B Streptococcus (24) was the most common bacteria isolated followed by Escherichia coli (18), Streptococcus viridians (12), Haemophilus influenzae (3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2), Klebsiella spp. (2), Streptococcus pneumoniae (2), and 1 each from Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. other, Brachybacterium muris, Clostridium septicum, Stenotrophomonas, Enterococcus, and Aerococcus viridans. Two case-patients (3%) had more than one invasive bacteria isolated from a sterile site.

• For up to date information see>> Neonatal Sepsis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2008