About Neonatal Sepsis (Bacteria)

Any infection of an infant during the first 7 days of life (early-onset) or 7-89 days of age (late-onset).

On this page:
Common causes
Transmission
Complications
Statistics
History

Common causes

• Bacteria that cause neonatal sepsis include:
  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli, which together account for 70% to 80% of neonatal sepsis cases
  • Other bacteria are also known to cause neonatal sepsis

Transmission

• Early-onset neonatal sepsis is acquired from the mother to the infant before and/or during delivery.
• Late-onset neonatal sepsis is acquired after delivery (in the hospital or community setting).

Complications

• Neonatal sepsis is a serious condition that can place infants at increased risk of death and/or long-term disability.

Statistics

• Neonatal sepsis occurs at an estimated rate of 1 to 2 cases per 1000 live births in the U.S.

History

• Population-based surveillance for neonatal sepsis was initiated in 2005 as part of the Emerging Infections Program, Active Bacterial Core Surveillance Project (ABCs).