Sepsis is a highly heterogeneous, life-threatening organ dysfunction primarily caused by a dysregulated immune response to counter bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, resulting in haemodynamic changes and significant morbidity and mortality across all ages. In recent times, it has become one of the foremost causes of morbidity and mortality among newborns globally. The neonates, particularly the preterm neonates, due to their immature immune systems and non-canonical microbial community acquisition in the gastrointestinal tract and other body habitats, are adversely affected compared to the elderly with immunocompromised conditions. The neonates could acquire microbiota in utero or during delivery from the mother's genital tract or postnatally from contact with hospital personnel and the immediate hospital environment after the birth. Other factors that may enhance the risk include early colonization of microbiota by pathogens that trigger dysbiosis of the gut microbiome accompanied by a dysregulated immune response, organ dysfunction, and potential death. The sepsis-linked mortality could be prevented by timely diagnosis, selective antibiotic therapy, and supportive postnatal care. Infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria severely restrict possible therapeutic options, thus extending hospital stays. A comprehensive analysis of the infecting pathogens, cognate host responses, and the microbiota present would certainly help formulate appropriate interventions.
Keywords: Dysbiosis; Neonate, gut microbiome; Pathogens; Preterm infant; Sepsis.
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