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Systemic fungal infections in south Indian infants
Abstract:
Systemic fungal infections were identified in 13 of 1468 necropsies of infants dying in the 1st year of life in a south Indian hospital. Candidiasis was present in 11 infants, most often as pneumonia or enteritis. Spread to other organs occurred in four cases. Intestinal candidiasis was associated with zygomycosis of the intestine in one infant and with aspergillosis of the lungs and intestine in another. One case of aspergillosis of the myocardium and one of gastric zygomycosis were also diagnosed. Septicaemia, broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, surgery and congenital abnormalities, including immune deficiencies, were important predisposing factors.
Insights
Systemic fungal infections, primarily candidiasis, affected infants in South India. Predisposing factors included prematurity, antibiotic use, and immune deficiencies, highlighting the need for vigilance in vulnerable infant populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pediatric Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Systemic fungal infections pose a significant threat to infants, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Infant mortality studies are crucial for understanding disease patterns in early life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of systemic fungal infections in infants.
- To identify predisposing factors associated with these infections in a South Indian hospital.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of necropsy records from infants who died within their first year of life.
- Histopathological examination for the identification of fungal pathogens.
Main Results:
- 13 out of 1468 infants (0.88%) exhibited systemic fungal infections.
- Candidiasis was the most prevalent (11 cases), often presenting as pneumonia or enteritis.
- Associated infections included zygomycosis and aspergillosis; predisposing factors were sepsis, antibiotics, surgery, and congenital anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Systemic fungal infections, especially candidiasis, are an important cause of mortality in South Indian infants.
- Identifying and managing predisposing factors is critical for preventing these infections.