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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 7-day old infant develops symptoms of neonatal septicemia. Most likely cause is –
assistant
The correct answer is  Neonatal sepsis

Pathogenic bacteria gain access into the bloodstream and may cause -


Overwhelming infection (generalized infection) → neonatal septicemia
Localized infection to the lung → Pneumonia
Localized infection to meninges → Meningitis


Systemic bacterial infections are known by the generic term neonatal sepsis which incorporates septicemia, pneumonia and meningitis of newborn.
Neonatal sepsis can be divided into

1) Early onset

Occurs within 72 hours of life.
Caused by organism prevalent in maternal genital tract or in the delivery area.

2) Late-onset

Occurs after 72 hours of life
Caused by organisms prevalent in the external environments of the home or the hospital.
Most commonly infection is transmitted through the hands of care - providers.