This study aimed to determine growth agents in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the newborn with bacterial meningitis and antibiotic sensitivity of the bacteria. The study evaluated the CSF cultures of newborns with suspected meningitis out of 2,206 newborns hospitalized in Dr. Sami Ulus Children’s Hospital between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2003. Clinical, laboratory and antibiogram findings of the newborns with growth in culture were studied. Throughout the study, 12 cultures of 11 patients out of the 2,206 revealed a form of growth. While K. pneumoniae was most prevalent in nosocomial meningitis, S. pneumoniae was most prevalent in those with public origin. ESBL (extended spectrum β lactamase) in K. pneumoniae and IBL (induced β-lactamase) P. aeruginosa were high grade. S. aureus was oxacillin-resistant, and all S. pneumoniae were susceptible to penicillin. Empirically, in meningitis cases, cefhotaxime/amikacin combination is still considered suitable for clinical practice in our clinic. Control measures should be established to avoid hospital infections. To prevent development of resistance to antibiotics and to avoid its spread, the appropriate antibiotic principles should be fostered.

Keywords: yenidoğan, menenjit, antibiyotik duyarlılığı, newborn, meningitis, antibiotic sensitivity