Future perspectives on the use of molecular assays for pathogen identification in neonatal sepsis: a survey study among members of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases

Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality yet challenging to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms and blood culture (BC) turnaround time.1–3 Diagnostic uncertainty prompts high rates of empiric antibiotic treatment, with many neonates exposed to prolonged therapy despite sterile BCs, specifically for early-onset NS.4 5 Molecular assays have been proposed to accelerate pathogen identification and support antibiotic stewardship.6 However, large-scale implementation has yet to follow. Understanding clinician perspectives is essential to guide future diagnostic implementation.