TITLE:
Neonatal Infection in Hospitals: Management Strategy and Follow-Up of Newborns in Low-Resource Settings in the Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Audry Malela Pululu, Raïs Eyay N’sinabau, Francisco Nsiamaketo Lubaki, Divine Bonte Ngangu, Fiston Muntu Ndongosi, Salomon Bakutumana Lumbanzila, Chancel Mayawu Nkunku, Glycine Munsiengani Mayiza, Anaclet Kimbembi Nsingi, Aliocha Natuhotuyila Nkodila, Mago Kumbundu Magoga
KEYWORDS:
Infection, Neonatal, CRP, Child Survival, N’djili
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.10,
October
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: A neonatal infection is an infection occurring in a newborn during the first 28 days of life. It can be caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Methods: We conducted a historical cohort study at the N'djili General Reference Hospital. Our study included newborns who had been diagnosed with a neonatal infection based on maternal medical history and clinical criteria in the newborn. Results: In terms of gender, our study counted 1.14 boys for every girl. From a clinical and biological perspective, fever was present in 30.3% of newborns. On the maternal side, peripartum fever accounted for 42.3%. CRP was abnormally high in 74.3%. Newborns with an APGAR score ≥ 7 had better cumulative survival than those with a score Conclusion: Neonatal infection remains a major public health issue in Kinshasa, with high morbidity and mortality despite diagnostic and therapeutic efforts.