Neonatal infection is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in newborn babies and accounts for 10% of all neonatal mortality.

Infection can lead to life-threatening sepsis. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to serious complications including organ failure and potential risk of death. ​Early onset neonatal sepsis is persistently associated with poor outcomes (Bedford-Russell and Kumar, 2015)​. Survivors of neonatal sepsis are at risk of poor growth and a poor neurodevelopmental outcome (Walker et al., 2019).​

It is imperative therefore that midwives and maternity staff are able to identify potential risk factors and recognise the signs of infection in the newborn baby as early as possible so that appropriate management is undertaken and complications are avoided.

This module aims to provide a general overview of neonatal infection and some specific examples of infections and their causative microorganism. Not all infections will be covered although, where applicable, reference will be made to other modules or resources for additional information.

When you have completed this module, and the activities included, you will have a deeper understanding of:

  • the incidence and potential impact of neonatal infection on future outcomes of the baby.

  • the underpinning anatomy and physiology of immunity and why the neonate is more predisposed to infection than older children and adults.

  • how to classify neonatal infection depending on the timing, location, specific pathogen and route of transmission.

  • how to recognise the signs of infection including red flags. 

  • the different types of infection that may present in the neonatal period.

  • The principles of managing neonatal infection according to guidelines.

  • The role of the midwife in recognising and managing neonatal infection within their scope of practice

Study time: 1 hour

This module includes video content.

Course content: 2020