Neonatal sepsis and coagulopathy secondary to congenital transmission of Proteus mirabilis

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis infection is rare in neonates. In this population, the majority of described infections involve the central nervous system (CNS). We describe an unusual case of congenitally acquired P. mirabilis infection in a neonate presenting as sepsis, pancytopenia, and coagulopathy. Providers should consider this organism as a cause of severe illness in the newborn period, even in the absence of CNS involvement.