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Neon Pink Breast Milk Stain in the NICU
Brenda Stanley1, Pratik Parikh2
1Neonatology, Christus Children's Hospital, San Antonio, USA.
Cureus
|March 6, 2025
Summary
Pink breast milk in a neonate was caused by Serratia marcescens, a bacterium producing a red pigment. Prompt treatment and strict hygiene protocols are crucial for managing this rare condition in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Microbiology
- Infectious disease
Background:
- Pink discoloration in breast milk is rare, with potential benign or pathological origins.
- Serratia marcescens, a gram-negative bacterium, is a known cause due to its red pigment, prodigiosin.
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens like S. marcescens.
Observation:
- A female neonate born prematurely presented with bright pink staining in expressed breast milk (EBM) and secretions.
- Cultures revealed heavy growth of S. marcescens, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Pseudomonas species in breast milk and tubing.
- Blood cultures remained negative, indicating a localized infection or contamination.
Findings:
- Serratia marcescens was identified as the causative agent of pink breast milk discoloration.
- The opportunistic pathogen thrives in NICU environments and can contaminate feeding equipment.
- Treatment involved empirical antibiotics for the neonate and targeted antibiotic therapy for the mother.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of investigating unusual findings like pink breast milk promptly.
- Strict infection control measures, including proper sterilization of equipment, are vital in NICUs.
- Ensuring infant safety and the integrity of the breastfeeding process requires adherence to hygiene protocols.
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