Final answer:
The leading cause of death in neonates due to infection is neonatal meningitis, primarily caused by Group B streptococcus. Other significant causes include preterm birth complications and neonatal tetanus. Preventive care and access to healthcare are vital in reducing neonatal mortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Most Common Cause of Death in Neonates
The most common cause of death in neonates, specifically relating to infections, is neonatal meningitis. This infection is often caused by the bacterium Group B streptococcus (GBS), making it the leading cause of this serious condition in newborns up to 3 months old. It is important to note that in addition to infections, other leading causes of neonatal mortality include preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia/trauma, and congenital anomalies, among others.
Regarding infections, neonatal meningitis stands out for its high morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of treatments with ß-lactam antibiotics like penicillin, ampicillin, or gentamicin. Another major cause of death in neonates is neonatal tetanus, which has a very poor prognosis, particularly in areas where maternal immunization is not widely available and sanitary conditions during childbirth are inadequate.
Preventive measures such as maternal immunization, antenatal care, and the provision of intravenous antibiotics during labor are critical in decreasing the incidence of these life-threatening conditions. However, the burden of infant mortality remains disproportionately high in low-income countries, due in part to the scarcity of healthcare providers compared to high-income nations.