A 30-Day-Old Infant with Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineal Region Involving the Scrotum Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 30-day-old Final Diagnosis: Fournier’s gangrene • methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia Symptoms: Necrosis • scrotal swelling • ulcer Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Infectious Diseases • Pediatrics and Neonatology OBJECTIVE: Rare disease BACKGROUND: Fournier’s gangrene is an idiopathic form of necrotizing fasciitis involving the genital and perineal regions; it is associated with high complication and mortality rates. Rarely, perineal infection may be caused by hospital-acquired antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This report is of a 30-day-old infant with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal region. CASE REPORT: A 30-day-old male infant presented to the Emergency Department with rapidly progressive white discoloration of scrotal skin since 3 days prior to admission, progressing from 2–3 white spots to covering two-thirds of the scrotal skin. Pain upon urination was noted, with normal appetite and bowel movements. He had a history of diaper rash 6 days earlier accompanied by fever, and the rash was treated with topical antifungal and corticosteroid ointment. He was born at term by caesarean delivery, with birth weight 2900 g. Laboratory examinations revealed leukocyte count 23 000/µL and CRP 26.8 mg/dL. Hemoglobin was 10.6 g/dL, serum sodium was 134 mEq/L, blood glucose was 80 mg/dL, serum urea was 15 mg/dl, and creatinine was 0.27 mg/dL. Chest and abdominal X-rays were normal. He received broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent surgical debridement, and necrotic tissue was obtained for biopsy and culture. Histology examination showed non-specific granulation tissue consistent with Fournier gangrene. Soft- tissue culture isolated MRSA and ESBL-K. Antibiotics were changed according to the sensitivity report. Blood and urine cultures were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate surgery and antibiotics are essential in treating Fournier gangrene to avoid life-threatening complications. Initial symptoms are non-specific. Diagnosis remains primarily clinical, confirmed by intraoperative macroscopic findings.