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Published on: July 1, 2020

Pichia anomala fungaemia in immunocompromised children

M Bakir1, N Cerikcioğlu, A Tirtir

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. bakirm@superonline.com

Mycoses
|June 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pichia anomala causes serious infections in vulnerable children. Prior antibiotic use was a common factor in these cases, highlighting a potential risk.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pichia anomala is an emerging fungal pathogen.
  • Nosocomial infections pose significant risks to vulnerable populations.

Observation:

  • Five cases of Pichia anomala infection in infants and children are presented.
  • Infections included port catheter-associated infections and bloodstream infections.
  • Patients had underlying conditions such as cancer chemotherapy, prematurity, and severe combined immunodeficiency.

Findings:

  • All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole.
  • Four out of five patients showed no recurrence after treatment with amphotericin B.
  • Prior antimicrobial therapy was a common clinical feature in all affected patients.

Implications:

  • Pichia anomala represents a growing concern in pediatric nosocomial infections.
  • Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial, especially in immunocompromised children.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment are essential for favorable outcomes.

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