A Rare Neonatal Infection: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Orbital Cellulitis

Abstract

We present a case of orbital cellulitis as a rare cause of late-onset neonatal sepsis in a 4-week-old infant. Although ample literature describes orbital cellulitis in pediatric age groups, community-acquired orbital cellulitis as a cause of late-onset neonatal sepsis has not been well-described. We report one case of late neonatal sepsis in which orbital cellulitis and subsequent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia were found. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of orbital cellulitis in neonates and awareness of this unique cause of sepsis.

Keywords: acute sinusitis; comprehensive physical exam; febrile infant; late onset neonatal sepsis; methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa); methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteremia; neonatal sepsis; ocular proptosis; preseptal orbital cellulitis; subperiosteal abscess.