The role of clostridia as pathogens in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

1980 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 787-788
Author(s):  
M.F. Smith ◽  
G.S. Clayden ◽  
M.W. Casewell ◽  
S.P. Borriello
PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-224
Author(s):  
S. Rousset ◽  
O. Moscovici ◽  
P. Lebon ◽  
J. P. Barbet ◽  
P. Helardot ◽  
...  

Since the outbreaks of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis occurring in maternity hospitals of Paris and suburbs in 1979-1980, it has been possible to examine by light and electron microscopy gut specimens from ten newborns with this illness. Coronavirus-like particles, enclosed in intracytoplasmic vesicles of damaged epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa, were observed in the small intestine, appendix, and colon. The ultrastructural study, supported by bacteriologic findings, suggests the role of coronavirus-like particles in the appearance of the lesions. Secondary proliferation of mainly anaerobic bacteria, probably responsible for pneumatosis, may aggravate the disease.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 928-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall Sturm ◽  
Joseph L. Staneck ◽  
Larry R. Stauffer ◽  
Wallace W. Neblett

The cause of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is unknown. An association between NEC and clostridial infection has been reported from several centers, but the organisms have not been extensively characterized. Clostridium butyricum was isolated from the peritoneal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid of a neonate with NEC. The organism was resistant to the penicillins, but sensitive to vancomycin. Toxin production was demonstrated. Although the role of clostridial toxins in the pathogenesis of NEC is unknown, clostridial toxins are well established as the causes of two other intestinal diseases (antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis and pig-bel). Further investigation of the role of clostridia in the pathogenesis of NEC and of the use of oral, nonabsorbable antibiotics in the treatment of NEC is needed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Alejandra Sandoval C ◽  
◽  
María Paz Romero O ◽  
Carolina Guerra E ◽  
Carolina Riquelme B ◽  
...  

Introduction: Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that causes various clinical diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns. The progression could be fulminant and lethal. Presentation of the cases: We report 3 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis due to C. perfringens from 2 high-complexity public centers in Chile. Conclusion: Strong clinical suspicion combined with early microbiological identification may modify patient evolution. Anaerobic blood cultures have become a fundamental diagnostic method; therefore, having this tool in neonatal units would be useful


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document