Perinatal Infections And Their Impact On Neonatal Morbidity And Mortality In Developing Countries

Abstract

Background: Perinatal infections are a significant source of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries where access to healthcare and screening of mothers, as well as control of the infection, has very little. These infections such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis have a great impact on survivability and longtime health outcomes of neonatal births. Objective: To determine prevalence, spreading trends and consequences of perinatal infections on morbidity and mortality among the neonatal age in developing nations and determine the risk factors and outcomes in relation to perinatal infection Methodology: Narrative review and a secondary data review were performed using published global health agency reports, and peer-reviewed studies. Statistical data related to prevalence of infections; outcomes of newborns and regional differences were combined to recognize trends and correlations. Findings: The occurrence of perinatal infections results to about 30 to 40 per cent. neonatal mortality in developing countries. The most prevalent of them was found to be early-onset sepsis, and they were more likely to occur due to maternal infections, low levels of hygiene, and inappropriate access to skilled birth care. Infants with perinatal infections exhibited higher morbidity rates of low birth weights, respiratory disabilities, and retarded neurological development. Conclusion: Perinatal infections are considered to be a major public health issue in developing countries as they have a high rate of morbidity and mortality rates of infants. To reduce neonatal mortality and improve outcomes, the practices of infection prevention, strengthening of antenatal care and the subsequent recognition of infections as well as treatment is necessary.