Neonatal Colonization With Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This systematic review and meta-analysis of antibiotic-resistant pathogen carriage in individuals aged 0 to 3 months in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) found a substantial pooled prevalence of 3GCRE colonization at 30.2%, varying from 18.2% in nonhospitalized individuals to 48.2% in hospitalized individuals. The prevalence of CRE colonization was 2.6%, while MRSA colonization was 2.7%. Increased risk of colonization was associated with hospital birth, neonatal antibiotic use, and prolonged rupture of membranes. The findings highlight the need for further investigation to identify transmission routes and design targeted preventive measures to prevent antibiotic-resistant neonatal sepsis. The study highlights the need for further investigation to prevent antibiotic-resistant neonatal infections.