Silent Invader: Probable Phreatobacter oligotrophus Sepsis in a Preterm Neonate

REPORTrequiring fluid resuscitation and inotropic support.Initial investigations showed leukopenia with normal platelet and hemoglobin levels.These results are summarized in Table 1.A diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was made, and she completed a 5-day course of intravenous penicillin and cefotaxime.A blood culture sample taken on the day of birth was sterile.She gradually improved, and inotropic support was weaned off after 72 hours.On day 5 of life, the patient developed worsening respiratory distress on a mechanical ventilator.She was pale, less active, and in severe respiratory distress, requiring an increase in ventilator settings.A chest radiograph was performed and showed worsening patchy opacities in the bilateral midzones and lower zones of the lungs, compared to the initial chest radiograph done prior to the deterioration, suggesting a new onset of pneumonia.