Postoperative mediastinitis due to Candida tropicalis: first reported case in Morocco

Mediastinitis is a rare and serious nosocomial complication of cardiac surgery. It is estimated at less than 2% of cases of median sternotomy. We report the case of a postoperative mediastinitis due to Candida tropicalis. A 9-month-old baby was operated for complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot in which we isolated C. tropicalis from sternal purulent fluid and blood culture. The child did not survive, despite the initiation of antifungal therapy. The management of this type of infection requires an early diagnosis and an appropriate prolonged treatment, associated with effective preventive measures.