Review Article Volume 9 • Issue 1 28 Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies for Neonatal Sepsis: A Review Nikita 1 , Nikhil Payal 2* , Nidhi Bedi 3 , Mukesh Sharma 4 , Manisha Khandait 5 Abstract Systemic invasion of pathogenic microorganism during the neonatal period causing inflammatory response is referred to as neonatal sepsis. Sepsis is one of the main causes for neonatal mortality and morbidity all over the globe, predominately in the middle- and low-income countries due to improper infection control procedures and inconsistent hygiene habits. Clinical features of sepsis in neonates are non-specific compared to children and adults making timely diagnosis challenging. This review emphasizes the contributing factors epidemiological trends, and pathogenic mechanisms associated with neonatal sepsis. On the basis of manifestation of clinical symptoms neonatal sepsis is categorized into two groups, Early onset of sepsis (EOS) <72hr and late onset of sepsis (LOS) >72hr. In high income countries both EOS and LOS have distinct causative agents and risk profiles while the EOS is supposed to be primarily caused due to maternal risk factors such as chorioamnionitis, preterm labor, and prolonged rupture of membrane while LOS is associated with hospital acquired infections exacerbated by inadequate infection control measures in healthcare settings. The critical need for improved prenatal care, stringent infection control protocols, and effective antibiotic stewardship to mitigate the incidence of neonatal sepsis. Additionally, disparities in healthcare infrastructure are highlighted as barriers to effective management and prevention. Affiliation: 1 PhD Medical Microbiology Scholar, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, SGT University & Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram-Badli Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India 2 PhD Medical Microbiology, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, SGT University & Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram-Badli Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India 3 MD Pediatrics, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, SGT University & Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram-Badli Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India 4 MD Microbiology, Additional Dean & Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, SGT University & Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram-Badli Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India 5 MD Microbiology, Head & Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, SGT University & Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram-Badli Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India *Corresponding author: Nikhil Payal, PhD Medical Microbiology Scholar, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, SGT University & Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram-Badli Road, Gurugram, Haryana, India. Citation: Nikita, Nikhil Payal, Nidhi Bedi, Mukesh Sharma, Manisha Khandait. Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies for Neonatal Sepsis: A Review. Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research. 9 (2025): 28-34. Received: January 19, 2025 Accepted: January 27, 2025 Published: February 07, 2025 Keywords: Neonatal sepsis; Child mortality India; Maternal health; Prenatal care; Socio-economic disparities; Antibiotic stewardship; Multi- drug resistant organisms Introduction Sepsis is one of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity in newborns worldwide [1], posing a significant health burden. In middle- and low-income countries, neonatal sepsis leads to distressing outcomes [2]. Neonatal sepsis accounts for nearly 203,000 deaths annually, with approximately 1.3 million cases reported globally [3], causing a significant financial burden [4]. The prevalence of sepsis is notably higher in preterm and low-weight newborns, with a reported mortality rate of 17.6% [5]. Studies have observed that 24% of these cases are caused by severe infections [6]. In high-income countries (HIC), neonatal sepsis is well-studied and documented. However, there is a lack of information on its incidence in low- and middle-income countries (LIC and MIC) [7,8]. Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection caused by invading microorganisms during the first four weeks of life [9]. It encompasses conditions such as bloodstream infections (septicemia), pneumonia, meningitis, and other widespread infections.