Urinary tract infection by Trichosporon asahii

S Sood1, D Pathak, R Sharma

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur--302005, Rajasthan, India.

Insights

A rare urinary tract infection caused by Trichosporon asahii occurred in an infant after surgery. Prompt antifungal therapy led to a dramatic recovery, highlighting early diagnosis importance.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Urology

Background:

  • Trichosporon asahii, a fungus, typically causes superficial infections but can lead to invasive disease in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by yeast are uncommon, particularly in pediatric patients.
  • This case highlights a rare presentation of Trichosporon asahii UTI in an infant.

Observation:

  • A seven-month-old male infant, one month post-posterior urethral valve surgery, presented with fever, vomiting, and painful urination.
  • Yeast-like fungus was consistently isolated from multiple urine samples.
  • Standard mycological techniques identified the causative agent as Trichosporon asahii.

Findings:

  • The infant experienced a rapid and positive response to antifungal medication.
  • This represents the first documented case of Trichosporon asahii UTI in Western India.
  • The successful treatment underscores the efficacy of antifungal agents in managing such infections.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known spectrum of Trichosporon asahii infections, particularly in the pediatric genitourinary tract.
  • It emphasizes the need for considering fungal etiologies in infants with persistent UTI symptoms, especially post-operatively.
  • Early identification and appropriate antifungal treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in invasive Trichosporon asahii infections.

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