Salivary C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume as possible diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia.

Neonatal sepsis, a formidable threat to newborns, is a leading cause of neonatal mortality, with late-onset sepsis manifesting after 72 hours post-birth being particularly concerning. Pneumonia, a prevalent sepsis presentation, poses a significant risk, especially during the neonatal phase when lung defenses are compromised. Accurate diagnosis of pneumonia is imperative for timely and effective interventions. Saliva, a minimally invasive diagnostic medium, holds great promise for evaluating infections, especially in infants.