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Deep Dermal Injection As a Model of Candida albicans Skin Infection for Histological Analyses
Published on: June 13, 2018
[Generalized cutaneous candidiasis in newborn at term]
Husein Husein El Ahmed1, Guillermo Arturo Cañadas-De la Fuente, Rafael Fernández-Castillo
1Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España.
Insights
Congenital cutaneous candidiasis can be transmitted during birth from mother to child. Early diagnosis of Candida albicans infection in newborns is crucial to prevent severe complications like sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Dermatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Cutaneous candidiasis affects both children and adults, with varying prevalent species.
- Infections can be localized or systemic, caused by multiple etiological agents.
Observation:
- A full-term newborn developed congenital cutaneous candidiasis 24 hours after birth.
- The infant was exposed to a subclinical vaginal candidiasis infection during delivery.
Findings:
- The etiological agent was identified as Candida albicans, leading to sepsis and respiratory distress.
- Blood tests revealed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytosis with left shift.
- Cutaneous biopsy confirmed candidiasis, while blood cultures identified Staphylococcus aureus.
Implications:
- This case highlights the transmission of Candida albicans from mother to neonate during birth.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to avert serious neonatal complications.
- Emphasizes the importance of screening for vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women to prevent neonatal transmission.
Introduction:
Cutaneous candidiasis is a disease that affects children as well as adults. The presentation may be localized or systemic, and with multiple etiological agents. The most prevalent infecting species in children differs from that of the adult.
Objective:
A case is presented where a congenital cutaneous candidiasis was transmitted to the child during birth.
Materials And Methods:
A full term newborn was exposed to a subclinical vaginal candidiasis infection, and 24 hr after birth, developed congenital cutaneous candidiasis. The etiological agent was Candida albicans, and was associated with sepsis and respiratory distress. Blood cultures, cutaneous biopsy of vesicular lesions, blood tests and lumbar puncture were performed.
Results:
Biochemistry and blood count showed a CRP of 5.7 mg/dl, leukocytosis with left shift and mild anemia. After 24 hr, the blood analyses showed an increase in a CRP (7.8 mg/dl) and increased progressively for three days; consequently, a lumbar puncture was performed. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Cutaneous biopsy confirmed the cutaneous candidiasis.
Conclusions:
The early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications derived by the Candida albicans in newborns.
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