Question

What is the most common cause of early onset neonatal sepsis?

1) Bacterial infection
2) Viral infection
3) Fungal infection
4) Parasitic infection

Answer 1

The most common cause of early onset neonatal sepsis is a bacterial infection, particularly due to the bacterium S. agalactiae or Group B streptococcus (GBS).

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common cause of early onset neonatal sepsis is bacterial infection. This condition is defined as sepsis occurring in infants up to 7 days old and is primarily caused by S. agalactiae, or Group B streptococcus (GBS). This bacteria can be transferred from the mother's vagina to the infant during childbirth. To reduce the incidence of early onset neonatal sepsis, intravenous antibiotics are given to the mother during labor. Furthermore, bacteria are the principal pathogens related to the development of sepsis and septic shock, with bacterial pneumonia being the most common infection associated with sepsis.