Pantoea agglomerans bloodstream infection in preterm neonates.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Neonatal sepsis poses a significant threat to preterm infants.
• Identifying uncommon pathogens is crucial for effective treatment.

Observation:

• Five cases of late-onset neonatal sepsis caused by Pantoea agglomerans in preterm neonates (<1500g) were observed.
• Clinical presentation included lethargy, skin mottling, bradycardia, and desaturation.
• Thrombocytopenia, metabolic acidosis, and jaundice were noted in some patients.

Findings:

• Pantoea agglomerans was identified as the causative agent of nosocomial bloodstream infection.
• All isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem.
• Patients received various antibiotic regimens including cefotaxime/amikacin, meropenem, and tazocin.

Implications:

• Pantoea agglomerans is an uncommon cause of neonatal sepsis.
• Prompt diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy are essential for favorable outcomes in affected neonates.
• This case series highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in neonatal infections.