Escherichia coli as a Presentation of Fulminant Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

TL;DR

A preterm infant developed severe sepsis from Escherichia coli, highlighting the risks of early-onset neonatal infections and the need for prompt treatment.

Contribution

This case report highlights the importance of recognizing E. coli as a cause of neonatal sepsis and the need for maternal screening beyond group B streptococci.

Findings

Preterm birth with PPROM is a significant risk factor for early-onset neonatal sepsis.

Ancillary investigations revealed CNS and visual system abnormalities, confirming intrauterine infection onset.

Immediate interventions were life-saving in this case of congenital E. coli infection.

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a bloodstream infection and constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns. The diagnosis is primarily based on a positive blood culture result. An additional diagnostic and therapeutic challenge may be congenital infection, particularly in preterm infants. This is associated with the lack of routine screening of the maternal genital tract, except for testing for group B streptococci during earlier stages of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Case presentation: This paper presents a case of a neonate with early-onset sepsis (EONS) caused by Escherichia coli. Methods: We carried out analysis of documents combined with the case report method. Results: Preterm birth associated with PPROM constitutes a significant risk factor for early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). Conclusions: The case illustrates the dynamic course of congenital infection and the resulting need for immediate, life-saving interventions. It also demonstrates abnormalities identified in ancillary investigations involving both the visual system and the central nervous system (CNS), confirming the intrauterine onset of the infectious process.