Cerebral Candida abscess in an infant

V P Baradkar1, M Mathur, S Kumar

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College & General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai-400 022, India. vasantbaradkar@yahoo.com

Insights

A rare pediatric brain abscess caused by Candida albicans in an infant was successfully treated with surgery and antifungal medication. The child experienced normal neurological development post-treatment, highlighting effective management strategies for this uncommon condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Brain abscess is a rare condition in children.
  • Candida albicans is an uncommon pathogen for pediatric cerebral abscesses.
  • This case involves an infant without apparent predisposing factors.

Observation:

  • A one-year-old infant presented with a progressively increasing head circumference.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain confirmed the presence of a brain abscess.
  • Microbiological analysis of drained pus identified Candida albicans.

Findings:

  • The infant received a combination of surgical drainage and intravenous amphotericin B treatment.
  • The patient demonstrated a positive response to the prescribed treatment regimen.
  • Six months post-discharge, the child exhibited normal neurological development.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens like Candida albicans in pediatric brain abscesses.
  • Successful management involves a multidisciplinary approach including surgical intervention and targeted antifungal therapy.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for favorable neurological outcomes in infants with cerebral abscesses.

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