Related Experiment Videos
[Severe infection caused by Candida parapsilosis in an infant]
J Bosch Mestres1, M Esque Ruiz, X Carbonell Estrany
1Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Pediatría, Casa de Maternitat, Barcelona.
Abstract:
Three cases of serious infections due to Candida parapsilosis in infants are reported. Two patients are children exposed to abdominal surgery, parenteral nutrition and antibiotic treatment, who developed catheter-associated sepsis with successful response to change of catheter and intravenous amphotericin B, despite one of the patients showed a relapse some weeks after. Third patient, a hydrocephalic child with external ventricular shunt, developed cerebrospinal fluid infection without response to antifungal treatment and died. Sepsis and meningitis due to Candida parapsilosis can be observed in infants with some risk factors, as use of intravascular or intraventricular catheters. Change of the catheter and treatment with amphotericin B are indicated in these infections.
Insights
Serious Candida parapsilosis infections in infants, often linked to catheters, require prompt intervention. Treatment involves catheter replacement and amphotericin B, though relapses can occur.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Candida parapsilosis is an emerging cause of serious infections in neonates and infants.
- Infants with indwelling devices and prior antibiotic exposure are at increased risk.
Observation:
- Three infant cases of invasive Candida parapsilosis infections are presented.
- Two infants developed catheter-associated sepsis following abdominal surgery, parenteral nutrition, and antibiotics.
- One infant with a cerebrospinal fluid shunt developed meningitis.
Findings:
- Catheter-associated sepsis responded to catheter replacement and intravenous amphotericin B, with one relapse.
- Cerebrospinal fluid infection showed no response to antifungal therapy, leading to mortality.
- Risk factors identified include intravascular/intraventricular catheters and prior medical interventions.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of Candida parapsilosis are crucial in high-risk infants.
- Catheter management and appropriate antifungal therapy, such as amphotericin B, are key treatment strategies.
- Meningitis cases may have a poorer prognosis, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and potentially novel therapeutic approaches.