Two superbugs cause over half of the infections that kill newborns in Soweto. The germs are outsmarting treatment fast

Two Superbugs Cause Over Half of Newborn Infection Deaths in Soweto

Over the past decade, researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand studied small tissue samples from 1,586 children under five who died in public health facilities in Soweto, southwest Johannesburg. Their analysis revealed that just two types of bacteria were responsible for more than half of newborn deaths and about one-third of infant deaths.

The Soweto area, comprising both informal settlements and structured houses, provides insights applicable to other urban townships across South Africa, according to the research team.

Key Findings of the Study

The majority of infections leading to infant deaths are caused by two bacterial superbugs.
Many newborn deaths result from infections that are preventable.
The detailed data gathered offers valuable information for tackling child mortality.

Expert Commentary

Ziyaad Dangor, head of the South African branch of the nine-country Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (Champs) study, said, “This is not new knowledge, but it’s the detail in the study’s data that’s so valuable.”

About the Research Team

The study was conducted by the University of the Witwatersrand’s vaccines and infectious diseases analytics unit, highlighting the critical role of targeted research in combating deadly infections among children.

Linda Pretorius, author of the related newsletter, notes how these two superbugs outsmart treatment and cause half of the deaths among newborns.

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Bhekisisa — 2025-11-06

Two Superbugs Cause Over Half of Newborn Infection Deaths in Soweto

Key Findings of the Study

Expert Commentary

About the Research Team

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