Contact Info
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
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).
Last Updated: 11/14/2022