Related Experiment Videos
Candida meningitis in children: report of two cases
K Aldress1, M Al Shaalan, Z Memish
1Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Candida meningitis is rare in children. However reports have been increasing recently. We report two cases of meningitis caused by Candida species. The first case was a term male infant who was admitted at 14 days of age with the diagnosis of possible sepsis. He had received multiple courses of antibiotics without improvement. Later his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture grew Candida tropicalis. The damage done by the infection was severe and the patient died. The second case was a 2-month old girl who was born at 34 weeks of gestation. She was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and given antibiotics as prophylaxis. Despite this she developed recurrent episodes of fever that required multiple courses of antibiotics. After discharging her, she continued to have fever. Upon investigation, her blood and CSF grew Candida albicans. She was treated and responded to therapy.
Insights
Candida meningitis, though rare in children, is increasingly reported. This study details two pediatric cases, highlighting the severe outcomes and varied responses to treatment in invasive fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Candida meningitis is an uncommon but serious infection in pediatric populations.
- Recent trends suggest an increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections in children.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of Candida meningitis are presented.
- Case 1: A term male infant with suspected sepsis developed Candida tropicalis meningitis, leading to a fatal outcome.
- Case 2: A preterm female infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) developed Candida albicans meningitis despite prophylactic antibiotics, but responded to treatment.
Findings:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures confirmed Candida species as the causative agent in both pediatric meningitis cases.
- Invasive Candida infections in neonates and infants can have severe, even fatal, consequences.
- Treatment outcomes for Candida meningitis in children can vary significantly.
Implications:
- Increased vigilance for Candida meningitis in pediatric patients, especially neonates and immunocompromised infants, is warranted.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric invasive fungal infections.
- Further research into risk factors and optimal management strategies for pediatric Candida meningitis is needed.