Clinical and Biological Profile of Early Bacterial Neonatal Infections in Kisangani

Introduction: Infections are a preventable cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, but clinicians are still concerned about their diagnosis and management. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and biological profile and clinical outcome of early bacterial neonatal infections in hospitals in Kisangani. Methods: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional descriptive study carried out between 28 June 2023 and 15 July 2024. All symptomatic and asymptomatic newborns presenting at least one antenatal infectious risk according to ANAES were included. Data was analysed using R software version 4.4.2. The Chi² exact test and the Ficher exact test were used with a positivity threshold of 5%. Results: Of the 871 newborns admitted 190 were selected for INBP, i.e., a frequency of 21.8%. 123 blood cultures were taken with 5 positive cases, i.e., a frequency of confirmed early neonatal infection of 4.1%. The male-to-female sex ratio was 1.2. Meconium amniotic fluid and the duration of opening of the water sac ≥ 18 h were the most important risk factors; thermoregulatory disorders including fever and hypothermia (70.4%) followed by respiratory disorders (44.8%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations. The median PCT was higher in deceased neonates above the threshold of 50 ng/ml than in neonates with improved clinical status, with a significant difference p < 0.0001. Progression was favourable in most cases and the death rate was 4%. Conclusion: The incidence of INBP remains high in Kisangani, requiring early diagnosis. Fever and respiratory problems are the most common symptoms, and most newborns have a favourable outcome.