In early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), which organism is the single most common causative pathogen in India and globally?

• A Escherichia coli
• B Klebsiella pneumoniae
• C Listeria monocytogenes
• D Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) ✓

Explanation

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of EONS globally (within 72 hours of birth), typically acquired from maternal genital tract colonisation during delivery. In India, GBS is increasingly recognised though Klebsiella is more prominent in late-onset sepsis and NICU settings. EONS onset within 72 hours with respiratory distress, temperature instability, and poor feeding requires blood culture and empirical ampicillin + gentamicin. Listeria causes EONS with characteristic granulomatosis infantiseptica but is much less common.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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