Prevalence of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria among neonates suspected for sepsis in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to determine the combined prevalence of gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenem in African newborns suspected of having sepsis. All 36 studies published from January 1, 2010, up to December 30, 2023, were reviewed and meta-analyzed using PRISMA guidelines. The pooled prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Africa was 30.34%, with the highest prevalence of gram-negative bacteria resistant to imipenem and meropenem at 35.57% and 34.35%, respectively. The most common isolates were E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The study concluded that urgent antimicrobial stewardship practices, strengthened surveillance systems, and effective treatment for neonates with sepsis are needed due to the remarkable variation in resistance across the continent. The study underscores the need for urgent antimicrobial stewardship practices, strengthened surveillance systems, and effective treatment for neonates with sepsis.