Shea Butter Application to the Umbilical Stump Resulting in Omphalitis and Leclercia adecarboxylata Bacteremia in a Neonate: A Case Report.

Leclercia adecarboxylata is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in nature. Its pathogenicity is mild and often results in asymptomatic carriage. However, it can cause sepsis and other life-threatening illnesses in immunocompromised individuals. Based on previous literature, the common practice of applying many unsafe substances, such as shea butter, to the umbilical cord of newborns for healing remains a significant risk factor for omphalitis and neonatal sepsis in developing countries. This case report describes a neonate showing signs of omphalitis and bacteremia, following the use of shea butter on the umbilical cord. A 10-day-old male neonate presented with irritability, refusal to breastfeed, and an erythematous, tender umbilical stump. The blood culture result yielded a gram-negative rod, Leclercia adecarboxylata, sensitive to cephalosporin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin. The newborn was treated with empirical first-line antibiotics according to national guidelines: intravenous (IV) ampicillin and gentamicin for 6 days. The child fully recovered. Therefore, we emphasize the ongoing need for community-level awareness of proper umbilical cord care at the grassroots in developing countries. Additionally, early bacterial detection and antimicrobial management based on local antibiogram data are vital for successful patient outcomes.