Guideline

WHO recommendations for management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0-59 days

Year of Publication

2024

Issuing Institution

World Health Organization

Links

WHO IRIS

Recommendations

11 included recommendations

Management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. In young infants aged 0–59 days, the WHO 7-sign integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) algorithm is recommended for the identification of infants with possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) who require further evaluation or treatment. https://iris.who.int/ handle/10665/326448

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Moderate

Management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. Young infants aged 0–59 days with the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) signs of critical illness should be referred to hospital. If referral is not possible, ampicillin IM/ IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 10 days is recommended.

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Low

Management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. Young infants aged 0–59 days with the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) signs of clinical severe infection should be referred to hospital. If referral is not possible then oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 7 days is recommended.

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Low

Management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. If 7 days of gentamicin is not feasible, oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days plus gentamicin IM/IV for 2 days may be considered.

Status

Updated

Certainty of evidence

Low

Management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. Young infants aged 0–6 days with fast breathing as the only integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) sign of illness should be referred to hospital. If referral is not possible, oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days is recommended

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Low

Management of serious bacterial infections in infants aged 0–59 days. Young infants aged 7–59 days with fast breathing as the only integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) sign of illness should be treated with oral amoxicillin for at least 7 days. These infants can be managed outside hospital or in hospital depending on clinical judgement.

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Low

In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected sepsis, ampicillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 10 days is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management.

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Moderate

In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected staphylococcal sepsis, cloxacillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 10 days is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management.

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Very low

In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected meningitis, ampicillin, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least three weeks is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Very low

In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected pneumonia, ampicillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 7 days is recommended as first-choice antibiotic management.

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Very low

In young infants aged 0–59 days who are hospitalized with suspected staphylococcal pneumonia, cloxacillin IM/IV plus gentamicin IM/IV for at least 7 days is recommended as first choice antibiotic management

Status

Updated

Recommended in favor

Strong

Certainty of evidence

Very low