Noma neonatorum: Its aetiopathogenesis

Abstract

Noma neonatorum, a gangrenous process affecting the nose, lips, mouth, anal region, and occasionally the scrotum and eyelids, affects neonates, especially low-birth-weight and premature ill babies, and is usually fatal 1-3 days after onset. In 35 cases of noma neonatorum Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from blood-culture (86.3%), gangrenous areas (96.0%), rectal swabs (58.3%), and cerebrospinal fluid (60.0%). Blood-vessels in the deep cutis or subcutis were affected and the gangrenous process extended superficially. Noma in older children and adults is caused by fusospirochaetosis but noma neonatorum appears to be due to P. aeruginosa septicaemia.