Is a newborn infection contagious?

A newborn infection is not contagious for the surrounding environment. The transmission route is via the amniotic fluid, the birth canal or nosocomially, i.e. in connection with hospitalization, usually due to inadequate hand hygiene in the hospital.The newborn is then, in contrast to the healthy environment, at risk from insufficient immune protection.

Treatment of neonatal infection

The therapy of neonatal infection initially involves intensive medical care. The circulation of the children can be stabilized with infusions and circulatory stabilizing drugs (catecholamines). Stabilization of the coagulation system, electrolytes, blood pH and blood sugar levels are also part of the treatment.

Furthermore, it is important to secure the respiratory tract, in case of insufficient breathing, and to ensure a sufficient oxygen supply. Therapy with antibiotics must be started immediately. This is initiated before the pathogen has been identified.

This is very important, as no time must be lost. A so-called broad spectrum antibiotic is administered. The administration of antibiotics is the only way to cure and defeat a newborn infection.

One starts the therapy as early as possible without a confirmed diagnosis and gives a so-called broad spectrum antibiotic. This is a combination of several antibiotics, which is intended to cover and combat as many possible germs as possible. The clinical suspicion is sufficient to start a therapy.

In early onset sepsis, a combination of 3rd generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and ampicillin is used. If the condition worsens, the administration of metronidazole may also be considered. This antibiotic covers the so-called anaerobes.

These are germs that are not actually typical for newborn sepsis, but must be considered if the usual therapy does not work. The exact choice of antibiotic also depends on the age of the newborn. In the case of late sepsis, one sometimes expects somewhat different pathogens.

Therefore, a 3rd generation cephalosporin is typically combined with an aminoglycoside or a cephalosporin with vancomycin. Carbapenems are also used. A triple combination or an antifungal drug can also be considered.

This depends on the clinical condition of the child. In the case of meningitis, for example, vancomycin is combined with a 3rd generation cephalosporin and an aminoglycoside. If a pathogen can be isolated by diagnostic measures, antibiotic therapy is then specifically adapted to the pathogen.

The duration of the therapy depends on the clinical findings and the condition of the newborn. If the diagnosis is inconspicuous, the therapy is terminated after 2 days. However, if the diagnosis has been confirmed by diagnostic measures, treatment is continued for at least 5 to 7 days (without pathogen detection). If a pathogen has been detected in the blood culture, treatment is continued for at least 7 days. In case of meningitis, antibiotic therapy lasts at least 10 days.