What is the typical initial treatment for suspected sepsis in infants?

The typical initial treatment for suspected sepsis in infants is ampicillin and gentamicin. This combination is chosen because it provides broad-spectrum coverage against a range of pathogens commonly associated with neonatal sepsis, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Ampicillin targets certain serious infections caused by bacteria such as Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli, which are the most frequent organisms in early-onset sepsis. Gentamicin complements this coverage by offering effective treatment against gram-negative organisms. The use of a combination of these two antibiotics helps ensure that a wider array of potential pathogens is effectively treated right from the onset, which is crucial given the risk of rapid deterioration in infants with sepsis.

The other options do not provide the same breadth of coverage necessary for appropriate initial management of suspected sepsis in this vulnerable population. For example, while amoxicillin is effective against certain bacteria, it does not cover the full range of pathogens responsible for sepsis in infants. Similarly, ceftriaxone is more commonly used in older children and may not be effective against all the bacteria that are most concerning in newborns. Vancomycin alone does not address the necessary gram-negative coverage needed in the setting of suspected sepsis.