Bacteroides fragilis as an unusual cause of neonatal pyogenic arthritis: A case report

We present a rare case of neonatal bone infection caused by Bacteroides fragilis without predisposing risk factors in an otherwise healthy newborn. The infant initially presented with symptoms of sepsis, including fever, irritability, and reduced limb movement, prompting an extensive workup that eventually revealed Bacteroides fragilis in joint fluid PCR analysis. Treatment involved multi-agent antibiotics targeting anaerobic organisms and a joint washout procedure. This case highlights the importance of molecular diagnostics in detecting uncommon pathogens in neonatal bone infections and guiding effective antibiotic therapy. This report contributes valuable knowledge to understanding and managing bone and joint infections in neonatal populations.