Suppurative Parotitis in a Neonate: A Case Report

Background: Parotitis occurring in the neonatal age group is extremely rare. Unlike older children, neonatal parotitis is usually of bacterial origin. We report here a neonate with parotitis due to Staphylococcus aureus. Clinical Description: A 16-day-old male child, born at term, with an uneventful peripartum period, presented with a 4-day history of swelling over the right side of the face. On examination, neonate was hemodynamically stable. Pressure applied over the external swelling, resulted in discharge of pus from the opening of the Stensen’s duct in the oral cavity, indicating origin of swelling from the parotid gland. Management and Outcome: The neonate was treated with empirical antibiotics and, in view of the nonresolution of symptoms, taken up for incision and drainage. Pus culture revealed S. aureus . The swelling resolved and neonate was discharged after completing 10 days of antibiotics. Conclusion: This report creates awareness regarding possibility of bacterial suppurative parotitis in a neonate with preauricular facial swelling. Empirical anti-staphylococcal coverage and surgical drainage can result in excellent outcome.