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[Pancreatic necrosis infection by Candida parapsilosis associated with fungemia]
E Kull1, M P Ripault, P Gautret
1Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie et d'Assistance nutritive, Hôpital Jean Bernard, Poitiers.
Abstract:
Pancreatic necrosis infection is the most common complication affecting mortality of severe acute pancreatitis (death rate 80%). Bacterial infections particularly with coliforms or anaerobes account for the majority of cases of infected necrosis. Fungal pancreatic infections with Candida species are rare and often nosocomial. We report herein the first case of pancreatic necrosis infection with Candida parapsilosis associated with fungemia confirmed by molecular typing.
Insights
Infected pancreatic necrosis, a severe acute pancreatitis complication, is usually bacterial. This study reports the first documented case of pancreatic necrosis infected by Candida parapsilosis, a rare fungal cause, linked to bloodstream fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) carries a high mortality rate, with infected pancreatic necrosis being the most common and lethal complication.
- Bacterial infections, predominantly by coliforms or anaerobes, are the leading cause of infected pancreatic necrosis.
- Fungal infections of the pancreas, particularly by Candida species, are infrequent and often acquired in healthcare settings (nosocomial).
Observation:
- This report details the first identified case of pancreatic necrosis infected by Candida parapsilosis.
- The infection was associated with fungemia (fungal presence in the bloodstream).
- Molecular typing confirmed the specific fungal species involved.
Findings:
- Candida parapsilosis is a rare but potential pathogen in infected pancreatic necrosis.
- The co-occurrence of pancreatic infection and fungemia with this specific Candida species has not been previously documented.
- Molecular confirmation provides definitive identification of the causative agent.
Implications:
- Highlights the need to consider fungal etiologies, specifically Candida parapsilosis, in severe acute pancreatitis with necrosis.
- Suggests that molecular diagnostic methods are crucial for accurate identification of rare fungal pathogens in pancreatic infections.
- Underscores the importance of surveillance for nosocomial fungal infections in critically ill patients with pancreatitis.