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Low prevalence of genital candidiasis in children

K Banerjee1, E Curtis, C de San Lazaro

  • 1Lindisfarne Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, NE1 4LP, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|August 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Culture-proven Candida infection is rare in children with genital symptoms. Pre-existing risk factors like prematurity or immunosuppression increase susceptibility, but empirical antifungal therapy is not recommended for most prepubertal girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Genital symptoms in children can be concerning.
  • Candida species are common causes of infection, but prevalence in pediatric populations with genital symptoms requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of culture-proven Candida infections in children presenting with genital symptoms.
  • To identify risk factors and age distribution associated with Candida infections in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case-note review of pediatric patients with genital symptoms and Candida cultures.
  • Analysis of specimens collected over a 15-month period (May 2000 - July 2001).

Main Results:

  • 34 positive Candida cultures were identified from 32 out of 473 children.
  • The majority of positive cases (19/32) were in the 0-3-year age group.
  • Identified risk factors included prematurity, immunosuppression, and prior antibiotic use; three cases raised concerns of sexual abuse.

Conclusions:

  • Candida infection is uncommon in toilet-trained prepubertal girls without predisposing factors.
  • Empirical antifungal treatment is generally not indicated in this group.
  • Isolation of Candida in 3-9-year-old girls warrants investigation for underlying causes.

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