Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
08:50
A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
3.1K
Neonatal leukemoid reaction associated with Candida albicans chorioamnionitis
Sota Iwatani1, Masami Mizobuchi, Toshiki Sofue
1Department of Neonatology, Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's Hospital Perinatal Center, Kobe, Japan.
Summary
Candida albicans chorioamnionitis, though rare, can cause neonatal leukemoid reaction (NLR) in preterm infants. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in neonates with high white blood cell counts.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Neonatology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Candida vulvovaginitis affects 20-25% of pregnant individuals, but Candida-related chorioamnionitis is uncommon.
- Neonatal leukemoid reaction (NLR) is characterized by a significantly elevated white blood cell count in newborns.
Observation:
- A preterm male infant born at 31 weeks' gestation presented with severe leukocytosis (89.8 × 10^9/L).
- The infant's pharyngeal and tracheal samples tested positive for Candida albicans.
- Histopathology confirmed Candida albicans invasion of the placenta, chorioamniotic membrane, and umbilical cord.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a link between Candida albicans chorioamnionitis and neonatal leukemoid reaction.
- Infection was confirmed through both clinical samples and placental histopathology.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Candida albicans chorioamnionitis in the differential diagnosis of NLR in preterm neonates.
- Early identification and management of fungal chorioamnionitis may improve neonatal outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
102
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
102
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
2.3K
Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...
2.3K
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
15
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
15