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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
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 28, 2009
Summary
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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