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Generation of Fluorescent Protein Fusions in Candida Species
Published on: March 4, 2017
Invasive Candida enteritis of the newborn
S Bond1, D L Stewart, R W Bendon
1Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky 40232-5070, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|October 29, 2000
Summary
Invasive Candida infections at intestinal perforation sites were fatal in three premature infants. Early antifungal treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in these critically ill neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Premature infants, especially those with very low birth weight (<800 g), are susceptible to serious infections.
- Intestinal perforations in neonates can lead to severe complications.
- Fungal infections, particularly Candida, pose a significant threat in critically ill infants.
Observation:
- Three premature infants (<800 g) presented with invasive Candida infections.
- The Candida infection was localized at the site of intestinal perforations.
- This specific presentation was distinct from Candida peritonitis associated with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Findings:
- The invasive Candida infections at intestinal perforation sites were uniformly fatal in the observed cases.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis is a common complication in premature infants, but this Candida entity presented differently.
- The uniformly fatal outcome highlights the aggressive nature of this specific fungal invasive disease.
Implications:
- Early recognition of invasive Candida at intestinal perforation sites is critical for prompt management.
- Aggressive and timely antifungal therapy may offer a chance to improve survival rates.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and optimize treatment strategies for this rare but devastating condition.
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