# Neonatal Sepsis: Pathogens, Clinical Challenges, and Emerging Solutions

**Authors:** Matthew Green, Jyotsna Chawla, Cyril Blavo

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.104238 · Cureus · 2026-02-25

## TL;DR

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of newborn deaths, and this review explores new solutions like rapid diagnostics and AI to improve prevention and treatment.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of emerging solutions and pathogens in neonatal sepsis, emphasizing the need for global standardization.

## Key findings

- Current diagnostic delays and antimicrobial resistance remain significant challenges in neonatal sepsis.
- Rapid molecular diagnostics and AI offer promising advancements for early detection and treatment.
- Standardized protocols and equitable access to new technologies are needed to reduce neonatal sepsis globally.

## Abstract

Neonatal sepsis remains a major cause of preventable newborn deaths worldwide despite advances in maternal screening, antibiotic use, and neonatal care. Persistent diagnostic delays, rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and unequal access to resources highlight the urgent need for new approaches. This review summarizes the primary pathogens responsible for early- and late-onset neonatal sepsis, along with their transmission routes, virulence factors, and clinical presentations. We examine promising innovations in rapid molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, artificial intelligence (AI), maternal vaccination, and immunotherapies that have the potential to transform prevention and treatment strategies. By consolidating current evidence and addressing gaps in global care, this review calls for standardized protocols and equitable implementation of these advancements to reduce the global burden of neonatal sepsis.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** neonatal sepsis (MONDO:0700217)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** deaths (MESH:D003643), Neonatal Sepsis (MESH:D000071074)

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13026399/full.md

## References

62 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13026399/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13026399