Question
Neonatal sepsis was detected one week after birth due to umbilical cord infection. What are the possible causes?
Answer
Sepsis is an acute systemic infection caused by pathogenic bacteria or opportunistic pathogens that enter the blood circulation, grow and reproduce in the blood, and produce toxins. When bacteria enter the bloodstream but are cleared by the body’s defense mechanisms, it is called bacteremia. If there are no apparent toxicosis symptoms, it is called asymptomatic bacteremia. When sepsis is accompanied by multiple abscesses and a prolonged course, it is referred to as severe sepsis. Positive blood and bone marrow cultures can further confirm whether it is sepsis. Neonatal sepsis caused by umbilical cord infection may have many possible causes and requires active anti-infection and symptomatic supportive treatment.