Neonatal pneumonia caused by members of the Bacteroides fragilis group

Three infants who presented with premature rupture of membranes and neonatal pneumonia caused by organisms belonging to members of the B. fragilis group are reported. In all 3 instances, the organisms were recovered from tracheal aspirates and in 2 from blood cultures as well. Two of the newborns, treated with ampicillin and gentamicin, succumbed to their infections. The third, treated with clindamycin, recovered. Appropriate antibiotic coverage taking into account the penicillin-resistant anaerobes seems warranted for infants with neonatal pneumonia.