A Case of Necrotizing enterocolitis caused by <i>Clostridium perfringens</i> type C in the Absence of a History of Animal Exposure in a Neonate Admitted to the NICU, in which Gram Staining of the Stool was Helpful for Diagnosis

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is a fatal neonatal disease that accounts for a large proportion of deaths in the NICU. Preterm birth and low birth weight are among the most important risk factors, but the disease is multifactorial, with multiple other factors involved, including intestinal immaturity, ischemia, continued enteral feeding in place of breastfeeding, long-term exposure to antimicrobial agents, and an abnormal microbiota in the intestinal tract. In regard to the causative microorganism, the disease has been reported to be caused by Enterobacteriaceae such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium perfringens type A.