Diagnostic Virology-Based Spectrum of Neonatal Viral Infections at a Tertiary Center: Time to Switch Over

Background: Viral infections are important etiologies of neonatal sepsis, especially in premature/immune-compromised babies, and are associated with long-term morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis of viral infections using newer diagnostic tests in neonates is a necessary prerequisite for reducing the global burdens of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the patterns of viral infections in newborns over one year. Methods: A total of 660 newborns were included in this hospital-based, cross-sectional, and observational study based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and after obtaining the required clearance from the institutional ethical committee. All newborns admitted in NICUs for suspected clinical sepsis were included except those with congenital malformation, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), pre-term for care, and negative consent. Results: This study investigated 660 subjects with suspected sepsis, out of which 560 had non-viral sepsis (group one) and 100 had viral sepsis (group two). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of mean hemoglobin level, mean platelet counts, and mean transaminases level. Cytomegaloviruses (CMV), rubella, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) were found in 9.1%, 4.5%, and 3.8% of the subjects, respectively. Conclusions: It was recommended that all neonatologists and pediatricians involved in neonatal care should suspect a viral agent as a possible cause of sepsis and utilize the diagnostic and treatment facilities with antiviral agents whenever and wherever possible.