Which of the following is the MOST common cause of late-onset neonatal sepsis (after day 3 of life) in hospitalized preterm infants in Indian NICUs?

• A Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus ✓
• B Group B Streptococcus
• C Klebsiella pneumoniae
• D Candida albicans

Explanation

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) is the single most common cause of late-onset sepsis in hospitalized preterm neonates, strongly associated with central venous catheters and parenteral nutrition. While Klebsiella and Candida are important causes of LOS in Indian NICUs, CoNS remains the most frequently isolated organism globally and in India.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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