Management of Serious Bacterial Infections in Infants Aged 0–59 Days
Publication Date: December 8, 2024
Last Updated: December 10, 2024
Summary of Recommendations
Non-Hospital Settings
In young infants aged 0–59 days, the WHO 7-sign integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) algorithm is recommended for the identification of infants with possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) who require further evaluation or treatment. (S, M )
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Young infants aged 0–59 days with the IMCI signs of critical illness should be referred to hospital. If referral is not possible, ampicillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 10 days is recommended. (S, VL )
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Young infants aged 0–59 days with the IMCI signs of clinical severe infection should be referred to hospital. If referral is not possible then oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 7 days is recommended. (S, L )
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If 7 days of gentamicin is not feasible, oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days plus gentamicin IM/IV for 2 days may be considered. (C, L )
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Young infants aged 0–6 days with fast breathing as the only IMCI sign of illness should be referred to hospital. If referral is not possible, oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days is recommended. (S, L )
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Young infants aged 7–59 days with fast breathing as the only IMCI sign of illness should be treated with oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days. These infants can be managed outside hospital or in hospital depending on clinical judgement. (S, VL )
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Hospital Settings
No recommendation was made on diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs of sepsis in young infants aged 0–59 days in hospital settings. (U, U)
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In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected sepsis, ampicillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 10 days is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management. (S, M )
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In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected staphylococcal sepsis, cloxacillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 10 days is recommended as first choice antibiotic management. (S, VL )
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In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected meningitis, ampicillin, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least three weeks is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management. (S, VL )
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In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected pneumonia, ampicillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 7 days is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management. (S, VL )
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In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected staphylococcal pneumonia, cloxacillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 7 days is recommended as first choice antibiotic management. (S, VL )
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The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
Title
Management of Serious Bacterial Infections in Infants Aged 0–59 Days
Authoring Organization
World Health Organization
Publication Month/Year
December 8, 2024
Last Updated Month/Year
December 10, 2024
Country of Publication
Global
Document Objectives
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines for the management of infants aged 0-59 days with serious bacterial infections (sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia) in hospital and also outside hospital if referral is not possible. The guidelines now include recommendations on diagnosis as well as first line empiric antibiotic treatment of the most critically ill infants aged 0-59 days with suspected sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia.
Inclusion Criteria
Male, Female, Infant
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Hospital, Outpatient
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D007223 - Infant, D001424 - Bacterial Infections
Keywords
infants, bacterial infection
Source Citation
WHO recommendations for management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.