Neonatal infection: antibiotics for prevention and treatment

Summary

NICE guideline NG195 covers prevention of bacterial infection in babies up to 28 days corrected gestational age, intrapartum treatment of pregnant people whose baby is at risk, and care of babies with suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. It addresses risk factors and clinical indicators for early- and late-onset neonatal infection, principles of antibiotic use, antibiotic choice and duration, and meningitis. The 2026 update reviews prelabour rupture of membranes at term, amends fever and chorioamnionitis risk factors, and adds recommendations on switching from intravenous to oral antibiotics for suspected early-onset infection. It aims to reduce delays in treatment while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, and does not cover viral infections.

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