Sepsis or febrile illness (source unknown) - community acquired

Micro Organisms

Neonates - Group B strep, Gram -ve bacilli

1-3 months - Strep pneumoniae, N.meningitides, Listeria, H.influenza

> 3 months  - various pathogens

First Line

Therapy

Neonates - Benzylpenicillin + gentamicin IV for 5-7 days

1-3 months - Cefotaxime + amoxicillin +/- metronidazole IV for 7-10 days

> 3 months - Ceftriaxone for 7 to 10 days

Anaphylaxis (including severe skin reactions) to penicillin / cephalosporins

Therapy

> 3 months - Vancomycin IV + Gentamicin IV + Metronidazole IV for 7-10 days

Notes

Add IV aciclovir if herpes simplex suspected

Discuss with microbiology if no improvement