I. Brook
Cutaneous and subcutaneous infections in newborns due to anaerobic bacteria
This review describes the microbiology and management
of the major cutaneous and subcutaneous infections in
newborns where anaerobic bacteria predominate: omphalitis,
necrotizing fasciitis, breast abscess, and scalp infection
following intrauterine fetal monitoring. The predominant
bacteria known to cause these infections are
group B streptococcus, group D enterococcus, group A
streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae,
and anaerobic bacteria. All of these agents can colonize
or infect the mother and subsequently colonize or
infect the fetus or newborn either intrauterinely or during
the passage through the birth canal. Infections due to
anaerobes are often polymicrobial, and include also aerobic
and facultative bacteria. The anaerobes recovered
from these infections are Bacteroided fragilis group, Fusobacterium
spp., Peptostreptococcus spp. and Clostridium
spp. Early recognition and effective medical and
surgical therapy are essential to recovery. Managements
of these infections include surgical debridement and
drainage when appropriate as well as topical and systemic
use of antimicrobial agents effective against both
aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 30, 06/2002
Pages: 197 - 208
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