What are the types of infection in the newborn?

Newborn infections range from localised to systemic:

• Localised - skin/soft tissue infections, conjunctivitis, oral thrush, and umbilical infection (omphalitis)
• Systemic/invasive - sepsis (bacteraemia), pneumonia (the commonest early invasive infection), and meningitis

Localised infection in a well baby may be treated with local/oral antibiotics, whereas systemic manifestations need IV antibiotics.

Clinical relevance. Distinguishing localised from systemic newborn infection guides treatment (local/oral vs IV antibiotics), while recognising localised infection can progress.

More Detail

Types of infection in the newborn

Newborn infections span localised and systemic disease, guiding treatment.

Localised infections

• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g. pustules, abscesses).
• Conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum).
• Oral thrush (Candida).
• Umbilical infection (omphalitis).

Systemic/invasive infections

• Sepsis (bacteraemia).
• Pneumonia - the commonest invasive early infection.
• Meningitis.

Treatment principle

• Localised infection in an otherwise well baby - may be treated with local or oral antibiotics (e.g. a few skin lesions in a well baby).
• Systemic manifestations or an unwell baby - need intravenous antibiotics and a sepsis work-up.

Note

• Localised infection can progress to systemic infection in the vulnerable newborn - so reassess carefully.