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Published on: July 24, 2016

Cryptococcus laurentii fungemia in a premature neonate

M F Cheng1, C C Chiou, Y C Liu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Veterans General Hospital-Kaohsiung, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|April 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcus laurentii, typically nonpathogenic, caused fungemia in an extremely low birth weight infant. Early diagnosis and treatment with amphotericin B led to a good outcome, highlighting the need for vigilance in neonatal intensive care units.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Neonatal Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cryptococcus species beyond Cryptococcus neoformans are infrequently pathogenic in humans.
  • Only 15 human disease cases caused by Cryptococcus laurentii have been documented.

Observation:

  • This report details the first case of Cryptococcus laurentii fungemia in an extremely low birth weight infant.
  • The patient's underlying conditions and prematurity likely contributed to the infection.

Findings:

  • The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amphotericin B for C. laurentii was determined to be 0.25 to 1 microg/ml.
  • The infant experienced a favorable outcome after treatment with amphotericin B (10 mg/kg) and central venous catheter removal.

Implications:

  • Advances in medicine may lead to an increase in rare fungal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
  • Heightened clinical suspicion and improved diagnostic methods are crucial for early detection and management of unusual fungal infections in neonates.

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