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Fatal Aspergillus flavus infection in a neonate

Luca Roncati1, Giuseppe Barbolini, Rita Adriana Fano

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Services, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo n.71, Modena, Italy.

Fetal and Pediatric Pathology
|July 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a premature infant with invasive Aspergillus flavus infection, a rare perinatal condition. The autopsy revealed widespread organ involvement, highlighting the severity of this nosocomial infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Aspergillosis is an uncommon perinatal infection with increasing diagnosis rates.
  • Nosocomial infections pose significant risks to premature infants requiring intensive care.

Observation:

  • A premature infant on artificial nutrition and ventilation developed disseminated invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus flavus.
  • The infant presented with atypical gastrointestinal symptoms, including hepatomegaly and cholestatic jaundice, progressing to intestinal obstruction.

Findings:

  • Autopsy revealed thymus hypotrophy and multisystemic invasive aspergillosis.
  • Infection primarily involved the vascular and alimentary systems, with additional involvement of the respiratory tract, central nervous system, and skin.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering invasive fungal infections in critically ill neonates with unusual presentations.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in neonatal aspergillosis.
  • Highlights the diagnostic challenge of Aspergillus flavus in neonates, particularly with gastrointestinal manifestations.

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