It is difficult to compare antibiotic resistance between
countries because the epidemiology of neonatal sepsis is
extremely variable. Few studies compare antibiotic susceptibility
over time in the same unit, but where data are
available they show increasing resistance to commonly used
antibiotics.28 The antibiotic combination prescribed in most
units is a penicillin (benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, or cloxacillin)
together with an aminoglycoside, most commonly
gentamicin. Most Gram negative bacteria are now resistant
to ampicillin and cloxacillin, and many are becoming
resistant to gentamicin (table 4). In some units, antibiotic
policies have changed to include a third generation cephalosporin.
6 13 However, reduced susceptibility to third generation
cephalosporins12 and even to quinolones is emerging.42 In
some countries, Staph aureus is the most common cause of